Canada High Commission in Abuja: Your Complete Guide to Services and Information

The High Commission of Canada in Nigeria, located in Abuja, serves as the primary diplomatic mission representing Canadian interests in Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and São Tomé and Príncipe. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about the Canada High Commission in Abuja, including services, contact information, and essential details for both Canadian citizens and Nigerian residents.

Location and Contact Information

Primary Address

13010G, Palm Close, Diplomatic Drive
Central Business District, Abuja, Nigeria

Alternative Address Information

Some sources also reference: 15 Bobo Street, Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria
P.O. Box 5144, Abuja, Nigeria

Contact Details

Telephone: +234 (209) 461-2900
Fax: +234 (209) 461-2901 / +234 (209) 461-2902
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/nigeria/abuja.aspx

Social Media Presence

Facebook: High Commission of Canada to Nigeria (@CanHCNigeria)
Twitter/X: @CanHCNigeria

Office Hours and Appointments

Regular Office Hours

Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (By appointment only)
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Important Note: Online appointment requests are exclusively for Canadian citizens. Non-Canadian citizens seeking to enter Canada should contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Services Provided

For Canadian Citizens

The High Commission offers comprehensive consular services to Canadians living in or visiting Nigeria:

Citizenship Services

Steps to become a Canadian citizen
Proof of citizenship applications
Citizenship certificate services

Passport Services

New passport applications
Passport renewals
Emergency passport services
Lost or stolen passport assistance

Consular Services

Birth registration abroad
Marriage abroad documentation
Notarial services and document authentication
Emergency consular assistance (24/7 available)

Other Services

Voting abroad assistance
Pension and retirement information
Study abroad guidance
General inquiries about Canadian services

For Nigerian Residents

Visa and Immigration Services

Visitor visa applications
Study permit applications
Work permit applications
Immigration to Canada information
Biometric services

Business Services

Information on doing business in Nigeria
Trade mission assistance
Economic relationship guidance between Canada and Nigeria

Visa Application Centre (VAC)

Location

Sterling Bank Plaza, 3rd Floor
Plot No. 1083, Mohammadu Buhari Way
Central Business District, Abuja, Nigeria

Operating Hours

Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Passport Collection/Submission: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Walk-in Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Biometric Services

Important Requirements

Effective November 2, 2019, prior appointments are mandatory for biometric enrollment at the Canada Visa Application Centre in Nigeria.

Biometric Process

Digital fingerprint scanning of all 10 fingers
Digital facial photograph capture
Quick, discreet, and non-intrusive process
Validity: 10 years for temporary residents, required with each application for permanent residence

What to Bring for Biometric Appointments

Email confirmation of appointment details
Valid passport with at least 2 blank pages on both sides
Completed visa application form (2 copies of 2D barcode sheets)
Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) if applicable
All supporting documents as per visa type requirements
Payment receipts if fees paid online

Emergency Services

24/7 Emergency Assistance

Canadian citizens can access round-the-clock consular assistance through:

Emergency Contact Form: Available online
Email: [email protected]
From Outside Canada: +1 613-996-8885 (call collect where available)
From Inside Canada: 613-996-8885 or 1-800-387-3124
SMS: +1-613-686-3658
WhatsApp: +1-613-909-8881
TTY (Hearing Impaired): 613-944-1310 or 1-800-394-3472

Emergency Biometric Appointments

Available for:

Death of immediate family member in Canada
Critically ill immediate family member in Canada

Proof required: Death/Medical certificate, letter from medical officer, or funeral home letter.

Security and Access Regulations

Permitted Items

Mobile phones (must be on silent/vibrate mode)
Plastic bags containing application-related documents

Prohibited Items

All bags (travel bags, backpacks, briefcases, suitcases)
Electronic devices (cameras, tablets, laptops, MP3 players)
Sealed envelopes or packages
Inflammable items (matches, lighters, e-cigarettes)
Sharp objects (scissors, nail files, pen knives)
Weapons or weapon-like objects

Access Restrictions

Only visa applicants allowed entry
Exceptions: Children under 18 with parent/guardian, elderly or disabled applicants requiring assistance
24-hour CCTV surveillance for security purposes

Current Leadership

Acting High Commissioner: Mr. Paul Gibbard

Time Zone Information

Abuja Time: GMT +1
Time Difference: Abuja is 6 hours ahead of Ottawa
Distance to Ottawa: 10,600.55 km (6,586.88 miles)
Average Travel Time: 22 hours 5 minutes

Additional Canadian Representations in Nigeria

The High Commission in Abuja works alongside other Canadian diplomatic missions in Nigeria:

Canadian Consulate in Lagos
Canadian Consulate in Port Harcourt

Planning Your Visit

Before You Visit

Check if you need an appointment for your specific service
Review the complete list of required documents
Ensure all prohibited items are left elsewhere
Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment
Bring all original documents and photocopies as required

Accessibility

The High Commission and Visa Application Centre are equipped with:

Access ramps for wheelchair users
Elevators where necessary
Staff assistance for customers with disabilities or mobility restrictions

Important Reminders

The High Commission cannot store prohibited items
Photography, filming, and audio recording are strictly forbidden
Manual amendments to visa application forms are not accepted
Only the applicant can attend visa appointments (except for accompanying minors)
Emergency appointments do not affect IRCC processing times

Conclusion

The Canada High Commission in Abuja serves as a vital link between Canada and Nigeria, providing essential services to Canadian citizens abroad and facilitating travel and immigration for Nigerian residents. Whether you need consular services, visa assistance, or emergency help, the High Commission and its associated Visa Application Centre are equipped to provide professional, secure, and efficient services.

For the most current information, always check the official website or contact the High Commission directly before your visit.