7th November, 2023
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The High Commission of Canada in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has been shut indefinitely following Monday’s fire outbreak.
The Global Affairs Canada, in a statement on X on Tuesday said “As a result of the fire incident, the High Commission of Canada in Abuja is closed until further notice.”
According to the statement, an explosion took place in a generator room at the High Commission of Canada to Nigeria in Abuja, killing two people, including a locally engaged employee, and injuring two others.
“Global Affairs Canada extends its sympathies to the families of those killed and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured.
“We can confirm all other staff at the High Commission are safe and unharmed. We are now ensuring that the site is safe and will work with local authorities in determining the cause of the explosion.
“An investigation will be carried out, but at this point everything points to an accident rather than a deliberate act,” it said.
As a result of the closure, the statement added that Canadians in need of consular assistance could contact Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre.