Rwandan nationals will now be allowed to enter Nigeria without a visa for a period of up to 30 days for lawful purposes including tourism, business, and official engagements. The development follows a new bilateral arrangement announced by Nigerian authorities after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Rwanda for the Africa CEO Forum held in Kigali. In a statement released on May 15, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) confirmed that all preparations for the implementation of the directive had been completed. ALSO READ: Africa must process its own minerals, say Tinubu, Nguema “Following the announcement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, granting Rwandan nationals a 30-day visa exemption, reciprocating a similar gesture by the Rwandan Government to Nigerian citizens, the Nigeria Immigration Service has completed all arrangements for the directive’s implementation,” statement reads. Nigeria Immigration Service noted that travellers wishing to remain in Nigeria beyond the approved 30-day period will be required to obtain the appropriate visa through a Nigerian Embassy or High Commission abroad, or through the Nigeria e-Visa platform. “Consequently, all international entry points, including airports, land borders, and seaports, have been directed to commence immediate implementation of the policy in line with the Presidential directive,” the statement added. ALSO READ: Rwanda to scrap visa fees for over 90 countries According to the Immigration Service, the initiative reflects the strong diplomatic and bilateral relations between Nigeria and Rwanda, while also promoting intra-African mobility, tourism, and economic cooperation in line with broader continental aspirations. “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, GCFR,” the statement further noted.
