Tinubu and Kagame Set to Strengthen Economic Relations Between Nigeria and Rwanda

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President Bola Tinubu and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame have agreed to deepen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Rwanda, including the revival of the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission and new steps to strengthen cooperation in trade, consular affairs and continental integration.

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The agreement was reached in Kigali when Tinubu, who arrived in Rwanda for the Africa CEO Forum, met Kagame at the Urugwiro Presidential Villa, according to a Wednesday statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

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The statement said both leaders “resolved to activate mechanisms to deepen bilateral relations” and stressed the importance of the JPMC, originally signed in 2021, as a framework for advancing shared objectives. They also agreed that Nigeria would host the next meeting of the commission.

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In a key consular development, Tinubu said Nigeria would “seriously consider reciprocating Rwanda’s 30-day visa-free status for Nigerians in the spirit of Pan-Africanism,” a position both leaders linked to stronger people-to-people and economic ties.

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The two presidents also reviewed pending Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) in areas including tourism, illicit drugs and anti-corruption, with renewed emphasis on implementation.

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According to the statement, they also exchanged views on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), reaffirming their commitment to its operationalisation. “The two leaders have remained steadfast in their support for this agreement,” the statement said.

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On trade and logistics, the discussions included plans to expand export opportunities for Nigerian businesses, with the statement noting that Nigeria is in talks with RwandAir to enhance air cargo connectivity across the continent.

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“The two leaders exchanged ideas towards operationalising the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) between the two countries,” the statement added.

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It further stated that Nigeria, which had previously established an air cargo corridor with Uganda Airways, is now exploring similar arrangements with Rwanda to support regional trade.

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The statement also highlighted broader continental ambitions, saying the leaders’ engagement reflected “President Tinubu’s commitment to inter-African integration, mutual respect, and shared prosperity.”

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The meeting comes ahead of the Africa CEO Forum scheduled for May 14 and 15 in Kigali, which will bring together chief executives and global investors to discuss capital mobilisation, trade and continental economic integration.

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