President Bola Tinubu has said Nigeria will consider allowing citizens of Rwanda to enter the country without a visa for up to 30 days.
The announcement was made through presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga after Tinubu met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Kigali, Rwanda.
Tinubu is in Rwanda for the Africa CEO Forum, where African leaders and business leaders are discussing trade, investment, and regional cooperation.
What was agreed
Nigeria is considering copying Rwanda’s policy, which already allows Nigerians to enter Rwanda without a visa for up to 30 days.
The idea is to make travel easier between both countries and strengthen relations under Pan-African cooperation.
Both leaders also agreed to revive a joint commission set up in 2021 to improve cooperation between Nigeria and Rwanda. Nigeria is expected to host the next meeting.
Areas of cooperation
The discussions also covered:
Improving trade between both countries
Making it easier for people to travel
Strengthening government cooperation
Activating agreements on tourism, anti-corruption, and fighting drug trafficking
Both countries also support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to boost trade across Africa.
Nigeria is also in talks with RwandAir to create better export and travel connections, helping businesses move goods more easily.
Why it matters
The plan is part of efforts to reduce travel barriers in Africa and improve trade and economic growth between African countries.
Tinubu also said African countries are struggling with manufacturing because of unfair global financial systems and high borrowing costs.
