President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Paul Kagame have agreed to activate new mechanisms aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Rwanda across diplomatic, economic, and security sectors.
According to a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu made the commitment during a meeting with Kagame at the Urugwiro Presidential Villa in Kigali shortly after arriving in Rwanda for the Africa CEO Forum.
Both leaders emphasised the need to revive the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission (JPMC), first signed in 2021, describing it as a key platform for advancing shared diplomatic and economic objectives. They also agreed that Nigeria would host the next session of the commission.
On consular relations, President Tinubu said Nigeria would consider reciprocating Rwanda’s 30-day visa-free policy for Nigerian citizens, in line with broader Pan-African integration goals.
The two presidents also reviewed pending Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) covering tourism, illicit drug control, and anti-corruption cooperation. They reaffirmed commitments to strengthening collaboration in these areas while promoting mutual respect and shared prosperity.
Tinubu and Kagame further discussed the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), expressing support for improved trade flows between both countries.
Nigeria, which recently established an air cargo corridor with Uganda Airlines, is also in talks with RwandAir to expand export opportunities for Nigerian businesses across the continent.
The Africa CEO Forum is scheduled to begin on May 14, 2026.
