President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Rwandan President Paul Kagame have agreed to deepen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Rwanda, with both leaders committing to activate key diplomatic and economic frameworks aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two African nations.
The meeting took place at the Urugwiro Presidential Villa in Kigali shortly after President Tinubu arrived in Rwanda for the Africa CEO Forum. During the talks, both presidents emphasised the need to revive the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission (JPMC), which was originally signed by Nigeria and Rwanda in 2021 as a platform to drive collaboration in critical sectors. The two leaders agreed that Nigeria would host the next session of the commission as part of efforts to accelerate implementation of existing agreements.
In a major development on consular relations, President Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria would seriously consider reciprocating Rwanda’s 30-day visa-free entry policy for Nigerians. The move, according to discussions at the meeting, aligns with the broader vision of promoting Pan-African integration, easing movement across the continent and strengthening people-to-people connections between African countries.
The talks also focused on activating pending Memoranda of Understanding between both nations in areas including tourism, anti-corruption cooperation and the fight against illicit drugs. The discussions underscored Tinubu’s commitment to expanding strategic partnerships within Africa and enhancing regional collaboration on governance, security and economic development.
Both leaders further exchanged ideas on operationalising the African Continental Free Trade Agreement between Nigeria and Rwanda. Tinubu and Kagame reaffirmed their support for the continental trade pact, describing it as a critical tool for boosting intra-African trade, industrial growth and economic integration across the continent.
As part of efforts to strengthen regional commerce and logistics, Nigeria is also exploring a potential partnership with RwandAir following the establishment of an air cargo corridor with Uganda Airlines last year. Officials said the proposed arrangement with Rwanda’s national carrier is expected to create additional export opportunities for Nigerian businesses and improve trade connectivity across Africa.
