Nigerian Embassy In Canada Shuts Down

The Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa, Canada has gone on an indefinite suspension of its activities, following an assault on its staff.

In a statement on its website, the Commission announced that the special intervention arrangement for emergency cases “on discretionary basis” has been suspended.

It was learnt that the Commission had devised a system whereby citizens with emergency cases, were strictly attended to by appointment that allowed.

Also, the commission noted that as part of the physical distancing laid down rules, a limited number of people were to be attended to, based on invitation.

But it said some citizens chose to abuse the system by showing up without an appointment.

Also, it accused citizens of acting in an unruly manner and disturbing the peace at the chancery.

It said the situation came to a head on August 14, when a group showed up at the high commission and refused to allow embassy staff members to attend to those who had appointment, adding that a female staff member was held hostage and subjected to physical abuse.

“This kind of conduct is considered unnecessarily hostile and totally unacceptable and no embassy would tolerate conduct that puts the lives of its staff members at risk,” it said.

“We are closing down the embassy and we shall be considering ways to make our premises more secure and less susceptible to unruly behaviour and violent mob action.”

It also said the closure of the air space has impaired the transportation of passport booklets into the country.

“For individuals trying to renew work and study permits, the commission asked them to apply for renewals online. At the appropriate time, applicants would be asked to submit appropriate documentation,” the commission said.

The Commission further told those who have a valid passport when this happens may ask for a 90 day grace period which would be granted.

It also noted that Nigerian citizens whose study or work permits have expired since March 2020  and presently don’t have a valid passport have a grace period that lasts until December 31st 2020.

It noted that by then, resolved some of the challenging issues that COVID-19 has created would have been resolved.