President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Rwandan President Paul Kagame have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Rwanda, pledging to accelerate economic cooperation, regional trade, and diplomatic engagement.
In a statement made available to The News Chronicle, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga disclosed that President Tinubu met Kagame at the Urugwiro Presidential Villa in Kigali shortly after arriving in Rwanda for the 2026 Africa CEO Forum.
During the meeting, both leaders emphasized the need to revive the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission (JPMC), signed in 2021, describing it as a strategic platform for advancing shared economic and diplomatic objectives. They also agreed that Nigeria would host the next session of the commission.
President Tinubu further stated that Nigeria would seriously consider granting Rwandans a 30-day visa-free entry arrangement, in reciprocation of Rwanda’s existing visa-free policy for Nigerians, in the spirit of Pan-African cooperation and regional integration.
The two presidents also discussed the activation of pending Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) in the areas of tourism, anti-corruption, and the fight against illicit drugs, underscoring their commitment to stronger inter-African collaboration and shared prosperity.
Tinubu and Kagame equally reaffirmed their support for the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), exchanging ideas on how to operationalize the continental trade pact to boost commerce and economic integration between both nations.
As part of efforts to deepen trade connectivity across Africa, Nigeria is also in talks with RwandAir to expand export opportunities for Nigerian businesses across the continent. The move follows Nigeria’s establishment of an air cargo corridor with Uganda Airlines last year.
The Africa CEO Forum is expected to commence on Thursday in Kigali.
