Tinubu, Kagame push visa-free deal, deeper Nigeria-Rwanda trade ties

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Rwandan President Paul Kagame have agreed to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between both countries, with discussions focusing on visa policies, trade expansion and implementation of key bilateral agreements.

The meeting took place on Wednesday at the Urugwiro Presidential Villa in Kigali ahead of the Africa CEO Forum scheduled to begin on Thursday.

A major outcome of the meeting was Nigeria’s indication that it may adopt a 30-day visa-free policy for Rwandan citizens, mirroring Rwanda’s existing arrangement for Nigerians. President Tinubu said the Federal Government would “seriously consider” the move in the spirit of African unity and regional integration.

The two leaders also agreed to revive the Nigeria-Rwanda Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission, a bilateral framework established in 2021 but yet to fully take off. Nigeria is expected to host the next session of the commission.

Beyond diplomacy, both presidents explored ways to deepen commercial cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, with a focus on improving cross-border trade and export opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Part of the discussions centred on ongoing talks between Nigeria and RwandAir over a possible cargo partnership aimed at expanding the movement of Nigerian goods across Africa. Nigeria had last year launched a similar cargo corridor with Uganda Airways as part of efforts to boost non-oil exports.

The leaders also reviewed pending Memoranda of Understanding covering tourism, anti-corruption and the fight against illicit drugs, signalling renewed efforts to strengthen institutional cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting comes amid increasing calls for African nations to reduce trade barriers and improve regional connectivity as governments seek to unlock opportunities under the AfCFTA framework.

President Tinubu is in Kigali to participate in the Africa CEO Forum, where African leaders and business executives are expected to discuss investment, trade and economic reforms across the continent.