Nigeria and Rwanda have agreed to strengthen their bilateral relations as both countries move to deepen cooperation in trade, diplomacy, and regional integration across Africa.
This development was confirmed during a meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Kigali, Rwanda, where both leaders gathered ahead of the Africa CEO Forum. The discussion focused on expanding existing agreements and unlocking new areas of collaboration between the two nations.
A key highlight of the meeting was the commitment to revive the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission (JPMC), originally signed in 2021. The platform is expected to serve as a stronger diplomatic channel for advancing mutual interests, with Nigeria also agreeing to host the next session of the commission.
On consular and travel matters, President Tinubu noted that Nigeria would consider reciprocating Rwanda’s 30-day visa-free policy for Nigerians. The move is seen as part of broader efforts to promote Pan-African unity, ease movement, and strengthen people-to-people relations between both countries.
Both leaders also discussed activating pending Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) covering tourism, anti-corruption cooperation, and efforts to combat illicit drug trade. These agreements are aimed at improving governance collaboration and boosting shared economic and social development goals.
Nigeria and Rwanda further explored opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with both presidents reaffirming their commitment to making intra-African trade more effective. Discussions also included plans to improve logistics and export opportunities, including talks with RwandAir to support Nigerian businesses across the continent.