President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Rwanda President, Paul Kagame have agreed to activate mechanisms to deepen bilateral relations, with both leaders committing to revive the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission signed in 2021.
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the agreement was reached during a meeting at the Urugwiro Presidential Villa in Kigali on Tuesday, ahead of the Africa CEO Forum.
The leaders said the commission should serve as the main platform for advancing shared objectives, and agreed that Nigeria would host the next meeting.
On consular matters, Tinubu said Nigeria would seriously consider reciprocating Rwanda’s 30-day visa-free status for Nigerians “in the spirit of Pan-Africanism.” The two presidents also discussed activating pending Memoranda of Understanding covering tourism, illicit drugs, and anti-corruption, which they said would strengthen inter-African integration and mutual respect.
The talks included exchanges on operationalising the African Continental Free Trade Agreement between the two countries. Both leaders reaffirmed support for the agreement, with Nigeria citing ongoing efforts to expand air cargo links across the continent. Nigeria established a cargo corridor with Uganda Airways last year and is now in discussions with RwandAir to create more export opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
The Africa CEO Forum begins tomorrow in Kigali. The meeting brought together business and government leaders to discuss trade, investment, and regional integration.
Want a version focused on the trade angle for the business desk, or a shorter wire cut for page 2?
