Tinubu, Kagame Move to Strengthen Nigeria-Rwanda Ties

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda have agreed to deepen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Rwanda through renewed diplomatic and economic cooperation.

The agreement was reached on Wednesday when President Tinubu met with Kagame at the Urugwiro Presidential Villa in Kigali ahead of the Africa CEO Forum scheduled to begin on Thursday.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, both leaders emphasised the need to revive the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission (JPMC), initially signed in 2021, as a platform for advancing shared objectives between the two countries.

The leaders also agreed that Nigeria would host the next meeting of the commission.

On consular matters, President Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria would seriously consider reciprocating Rwanda’s 30-day visa-free policy for Nigerians, describing the move as part of efforts to promote Pan-Africanism and strengthen regional integration.

The two presidents further discussed the activation of pending Memoranda of Understanding covering tourism, anti-corruption efforts, and the fight against illicit drugs.

Tinubu and Kagame also exchanged ideas on operationalising the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) between both countries, reaffirming their support for increased intra-African trade and economic cooperation.

As part of efforts to expand export opportunities for Nigerian businesses across Africa, Nigeria is also in discussions with RwandAir following the establishment of an air cargo corridor with Uganda Airlines last year.

President Tinubu arrived in Kigali to participate in the Africa CEO Forum, which begins tomorrow.