The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has reportedly threatened legal action against the Canadian authorities following the denial of visas to some Nigerian governors who were expected to attend the Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NIDEC) in Toronto.
The development has triggered diplomatic concerns over the treatment of Nigerian government officials invited to the investment-focused conference.
The inaugural NIDEC 2026 was held in Toronto from August 12–15 under the theme “Thrive Abroad, Invest in Nigeria.” The event was organised by NiDCOM to attract investment from Nigerians in the diaspora and Canadian investors.
Dabiri-Erewa had earlier disclosed that arrangements were being made with Canadian authorities for a special event code to facilitate visa processing for legitimate conference participants.
However, during the conference, she disclosed that some invited Nigerian officials, including the Governor of Plateau State, were denied Canadian visas.
Despite the visa difficulties, the conference proceeded with the participation of senior Nigerian officials, including Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole, lawmakers and other government representatives.
The controversy is particularly significant because the Nigerian government had promoted NIDEC as a major platform for strengthening Nigeria-Canada economic relations and attracting foreign capital.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented at the conference by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, urged Nigerians in the diaspora to invest in Nigeria, describing the diaspora as an important economic force.
Diplomatic questions emerge
The reported threat of legal action raises questions about whether Nigeria intends to formally challenge Canada’s visa decisions and seek explanations for the refusals.
Canadian visa decisions are generally made under Canada’s immigration framework, and visa applicants do not automatically have a right of entry simply because they are government officials or have been invited to an international conference.
As of the available reports, however, there is no clear public evidence that Canada has formally explained the specific reasons for each governor’s visa refusal or that a Nigerian government lawsuit has actually been filed.
The episode could therefore become a fresh test of Nigeria-Canada diplomatic relations, particularly as both countries seek stronger economic cooperation.
**The bigger question is this: why were Nigerian governors invited to a major investment summit denied entry by the same country with which Nigeria was seeking deeper economic partnerships—and what explanation will Ottawa give Abuja?**
