President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Rwanda through renewed diplomatic and economic cooperation.
President Tinubu held talks with Kagame at the Urugwiro Presidential Villa shortly after arriving in Kigali for the 13th edition of the Africa CEO Forum.
During the meeting, both leaders stressed the need to revive the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission (JPMC), which was signed by the two countries in 2021, as a strategic platform for advancing mutual interests. They also agreed that Nigeria would host the next session of the Commission.
On consular relations, President Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria would seriously consider reciprocating Rwanda’s 30-day visa-free policy for Nigerians, describing the move as consistent with the ideals of Pan-Africanism.
The two leaders further reviewed pending Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) covering tourism, anti-corruption efforts, and the fight against illicit drugs, reaffirming their commitment to stronger African integration, mutual respect, and shared prosperity.
Discussions also focused on deepening economic cooperation through the operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) between both nations, with Tinubu and Kagame reiterating their support for the continental trade pact.
As part of efforts to boost intra-African trade, Nigeria — which recently established an air cargo corridor with Uganda Airlines — is now engaging with RwandAir to expand export opportunities for Nigerian businesses across Africa.
The Africa CEO Forum is scheduled to commence on Thursday in Kigali.
