Nigeria introduces 30-day visa waiver for Rwandan citizens as part of mutual agreement

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By Omeiza Ajayi

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Nigerian nationals travelling to Rwanda will no longer require a visa, as Nigeria has activated a reciprocal 30-day visa exemption arrangement for Rwandan citizens following a presidential announcement made at a continental business summit.

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The Nigeria Immigration Service NIS announced on Friday that it has completed all arrangements to implement the directive issued by President Bola Tinubu at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, where he granted Rwandan nationals visa-free entry into Nigeria, reciprocating a similar gesture already extended to Nigerian citizens by the Rwandan government.

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Under the bilateral arrangement, Rwandan nationals may enter Nigeria without a visa for a period not exceeding 30 days for lawful purposes, covering tourism, business and official engagements. Those wishing to remain beyond the approved window will be required to obtain the appropriate visa through a Nigerian Embassy or High Commission abroad, or via the Nigeria e-Visa channel.

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The Immigration Service said all international entry points — airports, land borders and seaports — have been directed to commence immediate implementation of the policy in line with the presidential directive.

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NIS spokesman, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi described the move as a reflection of deepening ties between Abuja and Kigali, saying the initiative promotes “intra-African mobility, tourism, and economic cooperation in line with continental aspirations.”

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He added that 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 Ahmed Tinubu.”

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He said members of the public seeking clarification or assistance can reach the Nigeria Immigration Service through its contact centre numbers — 09121900655, 09121556359 and 09121477092 — available around the clock, or via WhatsApp on 09160878000 and 09117717772.

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