May 15, (THEWILL) — Nigeria has opened its borders to citizens of Rwanda with the implementation of a new 30-day visa-free entry policy announced by the Federal Government, a move expected to strengthen diplomatic relations, boost tourism, and deepen economic cooperation between both African nations.
The policy, implemented through the Nigeria Immigration Service, followed President Bola Tinubu’s announcement at the Africa CEO Forum, where he disclosed that Nigeria would reciprocate Rwanda’s existing visa-free arrangement for Nigerian citizens.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by the Service Public Relations Officer of the NIS, Akinsola Akinlabi, who said all modalities had been concluded for the immediate enforcement of the presidential directive.
According to the statement, Rwandan nationals can now enter Nigeria without a visa for up to 30 days for legitimate purposes, including tourism, business engagements, and official visits.
“Following the announcement by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, granting Rwandan nationals a 30-day visa exemption, reciprocating similar gesture from Rwandan Government to Nigerian citizens, the Nigeria Immigration Service has completed all arrangements for the directive’s implementation”, the statement read.
The immigration service clarified that travellers intending to remain in Nigeria beyond the approved duration would be required to obtain the appropriate visa through Nigerian diplomatic missions abroad or via the Nigeria e-Visa platform.
“Individuals seeking to remain in Nigeria beyond the approved 30-day period will be required to obtain the appropriate visa through a Nigerian Embassy or High Commission abroad, or the Nigeria e-Visa channel”, the NIS added.
To ensure seamless implementation, the service disclosed that all international entry points across the country had been directed to commence immediate enforcement of the policy.
“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 NIS described the initiative as a reflection of the growing diplomatic and bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Rwanda, noting that the policy would encourage greater intra-African mobility and regional integration.
According to the service, the arrangement is expected to boost tourism, trade, investment opportunities, and people-to-people exchanges between both countries, while supporting wider continental efforts toward economic integration under the African Union agenda.
The agency further reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating safe, orderly, and lawful migration in line with international best practices and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
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