The federal government has officially commenced the implementation of a 30-day visa exemption policy for citizens of Rwanda, marking another milestone in strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between both African nations.
The development follows the announcement made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the Africa CEO Forum held in Kigali, Rwanda, where he disclosed Nigeria’s decision to reciprocate Rwanda’s existing visa-free arrangement for Nigerian citizens.
In a statement on Friday by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) spokesperson, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, the agency confirmed that all necessary arrangements had been concluded for the immediate enforcement of the directive across the country’s international entry points.
The statement explained that under the new policy, Rwandan nationals are permitted to enter Nigeria without a visa for up to 30 days for lawful activities such as tourism, business engagements, and official visits.
The NIS, however, clarified that any Rwandan citizen intending to stay beyond the approved 30-day period must obtain the appropriate visa either through a Nigerian Embassy or High Commission abroad, or via the Nigeria e-Visa platform.
According to the service public relations officer, all airports, land borders, and seaports nationwide have been directed to enforce the policy with immediate effect in compliance with the presidential directive.
The Immigration Service noted that the initiative reflects the growing bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Rwanda, while also promoting intra-African mobility, tourism, trade, and economic cooperation in line with broader continental integration goals.
‘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’, the statement added.
