Tinubu, Kagame Push Stronger Nigeria-Rwanda Trade, Diplomatic Ties
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Rwandan President Paul Kagame have agreed to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between both countries, with renewed commitments to trade, regional integration, tourism, anti-corruption cooperation and visa liberalisation.
The agreement was reached during a bilateral meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kagame at the Urugwiro Presidential Villa in Kigali ahead of the 2026 Africa CEO Forum.
A major outcome of the meeting was the decision by both leaders to revive the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission (JPMC), a bilateral framework signed in 2021 to deepen cooperation between Nigeria and Rwanda. The two presidents agreed that Nigeria would host the next session of the commission.
In a move aimed at boosting regional mobility and strengthening Pan-African cooperation, Tinubu said Nigeria would consider reciprocating Rwanda’s existing 30-day visa-free policy for Nigerian citizens.
The two leaders also reviewed pending Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) covering tourism, anti-illicit drug operations and anti-corruption initiatives, signalling renewed efforts to operationalise agreements that have remained inactive.
Discussions also focused on accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which both presidents described as critical to expanding intra-African trade and economic growth.
As part of efforts to improve continental trade logistics, Nigeria is currently in talks with RwandAir to establish greater export access for Nigerian businesses across Africa. The discussions come after Nigeria’s establishment of an air cargo corridor with Uganda Airlines last year.
The bilateral engagement formed part of Tinubu’s diplomatic activities ahead of the Africa CEO Forum, which begins in Kigali on Thursday.
According to a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the meeting reflected both countries’ commitment to deeper African integration, mutual respect and shared prosperity.
The renewed Nigeria-Rwanda partnership is expected to enhance trade, investment and diplomatic cooperation between the two African nations while supporting broader continental economic integration efforts under the AfCFTA framework.