Nigeria grants Rwandans 30-day visa-free entry

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CREDIT: Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu/ X

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The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says it has completed arrangements for the implementation of a 30-day visa-free entry policy for Rwandan nationals entering Nigeria.

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The Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), NIS, Mr Akinsola Akinlabi, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

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Akinlabi said the directive followed the announcement by President Bola Tinubu at the Africa CEO Forum held in Kigali, Rwanda.

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He said that the President granted Rwandan citizens visa exemption in reciprocation of a similar gesture by the Rwandan Government to Nigerians.

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He also said that under the bilateral arrangement, Rwandan nationals would be allowed entry into Nigeria without a visa for a period not exceeding 30 days for lawful purposes.

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He, however, listed the purposes to include tourism, business and official engagements.

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According to him, any Rwandan national intending to stay in Nigeria beyond the approved 30-day period must obtain the appropriate visa.

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“This will be through a Nigerian Embassy or High Commission abroad or via the Nigeria e-Visa platform,”he said.

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The immigration spokesman said that all international entry points across the country had been directed to begin immediate implementation of the policy in line with the presidential directive.

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He explained that the entry points included airports, land borders and seaports.

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Akinlabi noted that the initiative reflected the strong diplomatic and bilateral relations between Nigeria and Rwanda.

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He added that the policy would also promote intra-African mobility, tourism and economic cooperation in line with continental aspirations.

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“The Service remains committed to facilitating safe, orderly and lawful migration in accordance with international best practices and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu,” he said.

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The NIS spokesman urged members of the public seeking clarification or assistance on the policy to contact the Service through its verified communication channels.

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He listed the channels as X and Instagram handles: @nigimmigration; Facebook: @nigimmigration; contact centre numbers: 09121900655, 09121556359 and 09121477092, available 24 hours daily.

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He also listed WhatsApp numbers as 0916087800 and 09117717772.(NAN)

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