By Ogochukwu Isioma
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Paul Kagame have agreed to deepen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Rwanda following a high-level meeting in Kigali.
The meeting took place at the Urugwiro Presidential Villa shortly after President Tinubu arrived Rwanda for the Africa CEO Forum.
According to a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, both leaders resolved to reactivate mechanisms aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
Central to the discussions was the revival of the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission signed in 2021.
“Both leaders emphasised the importance of reviving the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission as a vital platform for advancing their shared objectives,” the statement said.
The two presidents also agreed that Nigeria would host the next session of the commission.
On consular relations, President Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria was considering extending similar visa privileges already granted to Nigerians by Rwanda.
“President Tinubu stated that Nigeria will seriously consider reciprocating Rwanda’s 30-day visa-free status for Nigerians in the spirit of Pan-Africanism,” the statement added.
The leaders further discussed the implementation of pending Memoranda of Understanding covering tourism, anti-corruption and the fight against illicit drugs.
The Presidency noted that the discussions reflected Tinubu’s commitment to African integration and stronger regional cooperation.
Both leaders also exchanged ideas on advancing the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement between the two countries.
In the area of trade and aviation, the statement disclosed that Nigeria was in talks with RwandAir to improve export opportunities for Nigerian businesses across Africa.
“Nigeria… is now in discussions with RwandAir to facilitate greater export opportunities for Nigerian businesses across the continent,” it stated.
The meeting came ahead of the Africa CEO Forum, where President Tinubu is expected to engage African business leaders and investors on economic reforms and investment opportunities in Nigeria.
