Nigeria has officially commenced the implementation of a 30-day visa exemption policy for Rwandan nationals, a move aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties and promoting easier travel within Africa.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) through its Service Public Relations Officer, DCI Akinlabi Akinsola.
The policy follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s announcement at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, where he unveiled the reciprocal arrangement designed to ease movement between both countries.
According to the NIS, the decision also reflects Rwanda’s earlier visa-free gesture toward Nigerian citizens.
Under the new policy, “Rwandan nationals may enter Nigeria without a visa for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days for lawful purposes, including tourism, business, and official engagements.”
The Immigration Service, however, clarified that visitors intending to stay beyond the approved duration must obtain the appropriate visa through Nigerian diplomatic missions or the country’s e-visa platform.
To ensure immediate compliance, the NIS directed all international entry points across the country to begin implementation without delay.
“All international entry points, including airports, land borders, and seaports, have been directed to commence immediate implementation of the policy in line with the Presidential directive,” the statement said.
The agency noted that the initiative is part of broader efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Rwanda while advancing continental integration objectives.
“This initiative reflects the strong diplomatic and bilateral relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Rwanda, while promoting intra-African mobility, tourism, and economic cooperation,” the statement added.
The NIS also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining orderly migration management, stating that the policy aligns with international best practices and Nigeria’s broader development agenda under the Renewed Hope framework.
