President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Paul Kagame have agreed to activate mechanisms aimed at deepening bilateral relations between Nigeria and Rwanda.
President Tinubu reached the agreement during a meeting with Kagame at the Urugwiro Presidential Villa in Kigali after arriving in Rwanda for the Africa CEO Forum.
Both leaders stressed the importance of reviving the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission (JPMC), which was signed by both countries in 2021. They described the commission as a key platform for advancing shared goals in diplomacy, trade, and regional cooperation. The two presidents also agreed that Nigeria would host the next meeting of the commission.
On consular relations, President Tinubu said Nigeria would seriously consider reciprocating Rwanda’s 30-day visa-free policy for Nigerians. He noted that the move aligns with the spirit of Pan-Africanism and regional integration.
The leaders also reviewed pending Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) covering tourism, anti-corruption, and the fight against illicit drugs. The discussions reflected President Tinubu’s commitment to stronger inter-African cooperation, mutual respect, and shared prosperity.
In addition, both presidents exchanged ideas on operationalising the African Continental Free Trade Area between Nigeria and Rwanda. They reaffirmed their support for the continental trade agreement as a pathway to boosting economic growth and intra-African trade.
Nigeria, which established an air cargo corridor with Uganda Airways last year, is also in talks with RwandAir to create more export opportunities for Nigerian businesses across Africa.
The Africa CEO Forum is scheduled to begin today in Kigali, bringing together political and business leaders from across the continent.
