By now, the sharp words of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, slamming Canada for denying visas to Nigeria’s top military officials, have echoed across the public domain. In his characteristic style, Ribadu, who rarely minces his words, made a decisive statement in response to the denial of visas for Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa and other military officers. With his fiery declaration, “They can go to hell,” Ribadu has not only expressed the outrage felt by many Nigerians but has also reignited a much-needed conversation about Nigeria’s sovereignty and its stance on foreign diplomacy.
At the heart of this issue is a diplomatic misstep that many believe goes beyond a simple visa denial. General Musa and his team were invited by the Canadian government to attend a prestigious event meant to honor war veterans, a gesture that should have been viewed as a sign of respect and recognition for the sacrifices made by Nigerian soldiers. Instead, half of the delegation was left stranded, denied entry, and left to publicly address the embarrassment—a move that can only be seen as disrespectful.
It’s easy to see why Ribadu’s fiery response has struck a chord. For years, Nigeria has prided itself on its leadership role in Africa, its contributions to global peacekeeping, and its ability to forge meaningful partnerships on the international stage. Yet, incidents like this challenge the narrative that Nigeria is treated with the respect it deserves. Ribadu’s impassioned remark, “They can go to hell,” is not simply a personal jab at Canada but rather a pointed critique of a broader issue—the consistent undermining of Nigeria’s authority in global affairs.
What Ribadu and many Nigerians are saying is simple: Nigeria is no longer a nation that should tolerate disrespect from foreign powers, no matter their stature. We have to acknowledge that Nigeria has its own strengths and should not be dependent on the validation of others. In his remarks, Ribadu has reminded us of a larger truth—that Nigeria must focus on building its own strength, whether economically, politically, or militarily. It’s a wake-up call for us to stop looking outside for approval and begin looking inward to fix our own challenges.
For far too long, Nigeria has been seen as a nation that apologizes for its shortcomings while bending over backwards to please foreign interests. Whether it’s in the areas of trade, diplomacy, or cultural exchange, Nigeria has often felt the sting of being overlooked or patronized. The actions of the Canadian government only serve to reinforce this feeling of powerlessness and dependency.
But Ribadu’s words should serve as a turning point. Rather than seeking approval from foreign nations, Nigeria must focus on fortifying its internal structures. The denial of these visas should be seen as a harsh reminder that Nigeria must not be afraid to assert its position on the global stage. It’s time to build a Nigeria that stands firm in its sovereignty—one that doesn’t need foreign validation to thrive.
In many ways, Ribadu’s response is an invitation to Nigerians to engage in serious national self-reflection. Are we prepared to build a country that commands respect, not just on the global stage, but within our own borders? Are we willing to challenge the narrative that positions us as a nation that can be ignored or disrespected? Ribadu’s words, though blunt, are a call to action: it’s time to fix our country.
The diplomatic tension between Nigeria and Canada may soon be forgotten by the international community, but its lessons are profound and lasting. It’s not just about the visa denial; it’s about how Nigeria chooses to respond to such slights. Will we accept it as another unfortunate incident, or will we take the steps necessary to ensure that we no longer allow ourselves to be taken for granted?
Nuhu Ribadu’s bold stand is a reminder that Nigeria’s strength lies within itself, and the time to act on that strength is now. Canada’s actions may have been disrespectful, but the real question is: how will Nigeria respond?
