Posted by Chinenye on Wed 09th Sep, 2026 - tori.ng
Nigeria and Canada are taking steps to address growing concerns over lengthy visa processing times, with students among those reportedly feeling the impact.
(Dr Magdalene Ajani, Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary And David Sproule. Photo by Ministry of Interior)
The Federal Government and Canada have agreed to set up a joint working group to solve the long delays in processing visa applications from Nigerians and to create a framework for removing people without legal status in Canada.
Mary Ali, Head of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Interior, announced this following a meeting between Dr Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, and David Sproule, the Chargé d'Affaires of the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria.
Dr Magdalene Ajani, representing Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the long wait times for Canadian visas have caused problems for Nigerians, especially students.
Dr Magdalene Ajani said some Nigerian students have missed the start of their academic programmes in Canada because study permits took too long to process, even though their visa applications had already been approved.
Dr Magdalene Ajani said both countries need to solve this problem through ongoing talks and better cooperation between their institutions.
Dr Magdalene Ajani promised that Nigeria would send officials to work with Canadian counterparts to set up the joint working group.
David Sproule acknowledged that visa processing delays are a serious issue affecting the relationship between the two countries.
David Sproule said he would pass Nigeria's concerns to the relevant Canadian immigration authorities to try to speed up processing times and ensure Nigeria gets proper attention in the visa system.
Both sides agreed to create a small technical working group to keep discussions going and maintain regular communication between Nigerian and Canadian agencies.
The meeting also discussed expanding the Air Transport Agreement between the two countries, which would allow direct flights between Nigeria and Canada without passengers having to connect through Europe or the United States.
Both sides are optimistic this expanded agreement will increase business ties and make travel easier.
The two governments also discussed setting up procedures between Nigerian authorities and the Canadian Border Services Agency for removing people who do not have legal status in Canada.