The Canadian embassy in Nigeria says visa application centres in Abuja and Lagos remain open to the public.

The embassy’s spokesperson, Demilade Kosemani, announced this in a statement after a fatal fire outbreak affected a section of the building of the high commission in Abuja on Monday.

The statement said, “As we continue to mourn the passing of our dear colleague from the High Commission of Canada in Abuja, please note the following information below: Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC clients: processing of applications continues).

“Regardless of the suspension of operations at the High Commission of Canada in Abuja, the visa application centres in Abuja and Lagos remain open. For status updates send a webform. (https:// www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-status.html).”

There was an explosion at a section of the building of the embassy on Monday that killed two people, including a local employee and left two others wounded.

Global Affairs Canada, in a statement issued on Monday, said it would work with local authorities to determine the cause of the explosion.

(NAN)