President Bola Tinubu and Rwandan President Paul Kagame have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Rwanda through renewed diplomatic and economic cooperation.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga following a meeting between both leaders at the Urugwiro Presidential Villa in Kigali.
President Tinubu arrived in Rwanda for the Africa CEO Forum, which begins on Thursday.
According to the statement, both presidents stressed the importance of reviving the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission (JPMC), an agreement initially signed by Nigeria and Rwanda in 2021 to advance cooperation in key sectors.
The two leaders also agreed that Nigeria would host the next session of the commission.
During discussions on consular relations, Tinubu indicated that Nigeria may consider adopting a reciprocal 30-day visa-free entry policy for Rwandan citizens, similar to the arrangement currently granted to Nigerians by Rwanda.
The statement noted that the move aligns with the administration’s broader Pan-African integration agenda.
The presidents also reviewed pending Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) covering tourism, anti-corruption collaboration and efforts against illicit drug activities.
According to the Presidency, the discussions reflected Tinubu’s commitment to inter-African cooperation, mutual respect and shared economic growth.
Both leaders additionally exchanged views on implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement between Nigeria and Rwanda, reaffirming their support for deeper continental trade integration.
Nigeria, which established an air cargo corridor with Uganda Airlines in 2025, is also currently holding discussions with RwandAir to improve export access for Nigerian businesses across African markets.
The Africa CEO Forum, one of the continent’s leading private-sector investment gatherings, officially begins in Kigali on Thursday and is expected to attract government officials, investors and business leaders from across Africa and beyond.
