Following a high-level meeting at the Urugwiro Presidential Villa, Presidents Bola Tinubu and Paul Kagame have committed to reviving the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission and exploring visa-free reciprocity between Nigeria and Rwanda.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Paul Kagame have reached a landmark agreement to deepen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Rwanda. The resolution was made during a high-profile meeting at the Urugwiro Presidential Villa in Kigali, shortly after President Tinubu’s arrival for the Africa CEO Forum.
Central to their discussions was the revival of the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission (JPMC), a framework originally established in 2021 but yet to be fully operationalized. In a show of commitment to the partnership, the leaders agreed that Nigeria will host the commission’s next session to advance shared economic and diplomatic objectives.
In a significant move toward regional integration, President Tinubu addressed long-standing consular matters. He announced that Nigeria would “seriously consider” reciprocating Rwanda’s existing policy, which offers a 30-day visa-free status to Nigerians. This potential shift is framed as a step toward fostering the spirit of Pan-Africanism and easing the movement of people and businesses between the two nations.
The two presidents discussed the activation of several pending Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), focusing on: Economic Growth: Operationalizing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). Security & Governance: Joint efforts to combat illicit drugs and anti-corruption. Tourism: Enhancing cross-border travel and cultural exchange.
Building on Nigeria’s recent air cargo successes with Uganda Airways, President Tinubu disclosed ongoing discussions with RwandAir. The goal is to establish a robust air corridor that would facilitate greater export opportunities for Nigerian businesses, allowing local goods to reach East African markets more efficiently.
The meeting serves as a prelude to the ongoing Africa CEO Forum, where both leaders are expected to champion inter-African integration and private-sector-led growth. President Tinubu’s visit reaffirms his administration’s foreign policy focus on mutual respect and shared prosperity across the continent.
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