Our visa centres in Lagos, Abuja remain open, says Canadian High Commission

It earlier announced a discontinuation of its services in Nigeria on Tuesday after a fire outbreak gutted a section of its building in Abuja.

The Canadian government said the explosion killed two people, including a locally engaged employee, adding that operations in Abuja had been suspended till further notice.

But in a statement released on Thursday by Demilade Kosemani of the public affairs department, the high commission said the suspension of operations did not affect visa applications.

Part of the statement read, “As we continue to mourn the passing of our dear colleague from the High Commission of Canada in Abuja, please note the following information below.

“Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC clients: processing of applications continues).

“Regardless of the suspension of operations at the High Commission of Canada in Abuja, the Visa application centres in Abuja and Lagos remain open.

“Consular assistance for Canadians in Nigeria who require emergency assistance: sos@international.gc.ca or +1 613 996 8885 or via our whatsapp on +1-613-909-8881.”

The Canadian government had said it would work with local authorities to determine the cause of the explosion.