Nigeria and Rwanda agree to deepen bilateral relations

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Paul Kagame have decided to activate mechanisms to deepen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Rwanda.

Upon arrival in Kigali, Rwanda, to attend the Africa CEO Forum, President Bola Tinubu met with Kagame at the Urugwiro Presidential Villa.

According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Advisor to the President on Information & Strategy, the two leaders emphasized the importance of reviving the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission (JPMC), which the two countries initially signed in 2021, as an important platform for achieving common goals. They further agreed that Nigeria should host the Commission’s next meeting.

In reviewing the consular matter, President Tinubu stated that Nigeria would seriously consider reciprocating Rwanda’s 30-day visa-free status for Nigerians in the spirit of Pan-Africanism.

READ ALSO: APC clarifies reports of shift in primary election date

Onanuga stated that “The two presidents also discussed the pending activation of Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) in the areas of tourism, narcotics, and anti-corruption—underscoring President Tinubu’s commitment to inter-African integration, mutual respect, and shared prosperity.

“President Tinubu and Kagame exchanged ideas for operationalizing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) between the two countries. Both leaders remain steadfast in their support of this agreement.

“Nigeria, which last year established an air cargo corridor with Uganda Airways, is now in discussions with RwandAir to facilitate greater export opportunities for Nigerian businesses across the continent.”