Canada is in the process of investigating a bombing that occurred at the Canadian embassy in Nigeria. The explosion killed two people, resulting in Canada joining the United States and England in issuing warnings of non-essential travel to Nigeria. Nonetheless, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson confirmed a fire at the High Commission of Canada on Monday, resulting in deaths and injuries, but did not disclose any numbers. The embassy has released a travel advisory advising against non-essential travel to Nigeria, including the capital Abuja. This is due to the “unpredictable security situation throughout the country, as well as the significant risk of terrorism, crime, inter-communal clashes, armed attacks, and kidnappings.” Tinubu is preoccupied with the economy of his country and has plans to tackle the insecurity, which has led to kidnappings for ransom in the northwest.
Western countries often advise against traveling to Nigeria, which the Abuja government dismisses as “lacking merit”. Therefore, Western countries advising against travel to Nigeria often show the utter issue at hand. Not only could the bombing of the Canadian embassy be seen as an act of war because it is considered Canadian soil, but it also shows the escalation of insecurity in Nigeria. Not only is it not safe for travelers, but it will significantly affect the citizens. If Nigeria continues to be insecure and dangerous, it may lose relations and alliances with other countries.
On an individual level of analysis, the Presidents of each country aim to do what is in the best interest of their citizens. Nevertheless, Nigeria needs to step up security efforts to maintain good relations with countries such as Canada. Although the bombing’s cause is unknown at the moment, it is a serious matter that could be taken as a threat of war. On a global level, the dangers in Nigeria may be an eye-opener for Western countries to pull away from Nigeria. Countries do what is in their self-interest, which may cause disinterest in Nigeria if insecurity prevails.