President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Rwandan President Paul Kagame have agreed to deepen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Rwanda following a high-level meeting in Kigali ahead of the Africa CEO Forum 2026.
According to a statement issued by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu met with Kagame at the Urugwiro Presidential Villa shortly after arriving in Rwanda for the continental business summit.
Both leaders stressed the need to revive the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission (JPMC), which was originally signed by the two countries in 2021, describing it as an important platform for strengthening cooperation and advancing shared development goals.
The two presidents also agreed that Nigeria would host the next session of the commission as part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic and economic engagement between both nations.
During discussions on consular relations, President Tinubu said Nigeria would seriously consider reciprocating Rwanda’s 30-day visa-free entry policy for Nigerians, describing the move as part of efforts to promote Pan-Africanism and regional integration.
The leaders further reviewed pending Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) covering tourism, anti-corruption initiatives, and the fight against illicit drugs, while reaffirming their commitment to stronger inter-African cooperation and mutual prosperity.
Tinubu and Kagame also exchanged ideas on implementing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) between both countries and reiterated their support for the continental trade pact.
In addition, discussions focused on expanding trade and logistics partnerships. Nigeria, which recently launched an air cargo corridor with Uganda Airlines, is now engaging RwandAir on plans to improve export opportunities for Nigerian businesses across Africa.
The Africa CEO Forum, one of the continent’s biggest gatherings of business leaders, investors, and policymakers, officially begins on Thursday in Kigali.
The statement noted that both leaders remain committed to strengthening economic partnerships, regional cooperation, and sustainable growth across Africa.
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