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Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations between both countries, with new commitments to deepen cooperation in trade, consular affairs and continental integration.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the agreement was reached in Kigali, where Tinubu arrived for the Africa CEO Forum and held discussions with Kagame during a meeting at the Urugwiro Presidential Villa.
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
TINUBU, KAGAME AGREE TO DEEPEN BILATERAL RELATIONS
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Paul Kagame have resolved to activate mechanisms to deepen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Rwanda.
Upon arrival in Kigali, Rwanda, for the Africa CEO… pic.twitter.com/UUZdQmrOB0
— Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON (@aonanuga1956) May 13, 2026
Both leaders agreed to reactivate the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission (JPMC), originally established in 2021, as a framework for advancing shared priorities between Nigeria and Rwanda. Nigeria is expected to host the next session of the commission.
Tinubu also said Nigeria would consider reciprocating Rwanda’s 30-day visa-free entry arrangement for Nigerians, describing it as part of efforts to promote Pan-African cooperation and strengthen people-to-people relations.
The two presidents reviewed existing Memoranda of Understanding in areas such as tourism, illicit drug control and anti-corruption, and agreed on the need for faster implementation of agreed commitments.
They also discussed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), reaffirming their support for its full implementation as a tool for expanding intra-African trade.
“The two leaders exchanged ideas towards operationalising the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) between the two countries,” the statement read.
According to the statement, both leaders reiterated their commitment to making the agreement fully operational, with emphasis on improving trade flows between African countries.
Discussions also covered plans to expand export opportunities for Nigerian businesses, including ongoing engagements with Rwanda’s national carrier, RwandAir, to improve air cargo connectivity across the continent.
Nigeria is also exploring similar logistics partnerships, building on existing arrangements with Uganda Airways to support regional trade and transportation networks.
The statement noted that the meeting reflected a shared commitment to continental integration, mutual respect and economic cooperation to promote shared prosperity across Africa.
The engagement took place ahead of the Africa CEO Forum scheduled to hold in Kigali on May 14 and 15, bringing together global business leaders and investors to discuss trade, investment and economic integration across the continent.
