May 14, (THEWILL) — President Bola Tinubu and his Rwanda counterpart, Paul Kagame, have agreed to deepen diplomatic, economic, and strategic relations between Nigeria and Rwanda, in a move expected to strengthen regional integration, boost trade, and create new opportunities for businesses and citizens of both countries.
The high-level engagement took place on Wednesday at the Urugwiro Presidential Villa in Kigali shortly after President Tinubu arrived in Rwanda for the 13th edition of the Africa CEO Forum, a major continental gathering of political leaders, investors, and business executives focused on Africa’s economic transformation.
A statement signed by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that during the bilateral talks, both leaders resolved to activate mechanisms aimed at strengthening existing ties and accelerating the implementation of agreements already signed between the two countries.
Central to the discussions was the revival of the Nigeria-Rwanda Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission (JPMC), a diplomatic framework signed in 2021 to promote structured cooperation in critical sectors. Presidents Tinubu and Kagame agreed that the commission remains a vital platform for advancing mutual interests and improving collaboration between both governments.
As part of renewed efforts to energise the partnership, Nigeria is expected to host the next meeting of the commission, a development seen as a significant diplomatic step toward consolidating bilateral engagements and ensuring the implementation of key agreements.
In another major outcome of the meeting, President Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria would seriously consider reciprocating Rwanda’s 30-day visa-free policy for Nigerians. Rwanda currently allows Nigerian citizens to enter the country without visa restrictions for up to 30 days.
The proposed reciprocal arrangement, according to the President, aligns with the broader vision of Pan-Africanism and efforts to facilitate easier movement of Africans across the continent.
The leaders also discussed pending Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) covering tourism development, anti-corruption cooperation, and the fight against illicit drugs.
The activation of these agreements is expected to improve institutional collaboration between both nations while strengthening governance, security cooperation, and economic opportunities in strategic sectors.
The talks further highlighted President Tinubu’s commitment to deepening inter-African partnerships and promoting policies capable of driving shared prosperity among African nations.
A major focus of the bilateral engagement was the operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), widely regarded as one of Africa’s most ambitious economic integration projects.
Both Presidents reaffirmed their support for the agreement and explored ways Nigeria and Rwanda could leverage the AfCFTA framework to improve trade flows, industrial collaboration, and market access for businesses operating within their respective economies.
In a strategic move aimed at boosting regional trade logistics, discussions were also held on expanding air cargo connectivity across Africa.
Following Nigeria’s establishment of an air cargo corridor with Uganda Airways last year, the Nigerian government is now engaging RwandAir on plans to facilitate additional export opportunities for Nigerian businesses throughout the continent.
The proposed partnership with RwandAir is expected to improve cargo transportation efficiency, reduce trade barriers, and strengthen Africa’s supply chain network, particularly for Nigerian exporters seeking wider access to African markets.
President Tinubu’s participation in the Africa CEO Forum comes amid growing continental conversations on economic resilience, industrialisation, investment mobilisation, and private sector-led growth.
The forum, which begins Thursday in Kigali, is expected to bring together African leaders, multinational corporations, investors, and policymakers to discuss strategies for accelerating economic growth and positioning Africa competitively in the global economy.
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