Ololade Adeyanju/
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Paul Kagame have agreed to deepen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Rwanda, with both leaders pledging to activate dormant cooperation mechanisms and expand economic integration across Africa.
The agreement was reached when President Tinubu arrived in Kigali ahead of the ongoing Africa CEO Forum and held talks with Kagame at the Urugwiro Presidential Villa.
At the meeting, both leaders emphasised the need to revive the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission (JPMC), initially signed in 2021, describing it as a critical platform for advancing shared diplomatic and economic interests between the two African nations. They also agreed that Nigeria would host the next session of the commission.
In a move aimed at strengthening regional integration and easing travel between both countries, President Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria would seriously consider reciprocating Rwanda’s 30-day visa-free policy for Nigerians.
The discussions also focused on activating pending Memoranda of Understanding covering tourism, anti-corruption cooperation, and the fight against illicit drugs. The Nigerian leader reiterated his administration’s commitment to Pan-Africanism, mutual respect among African nations, and stronger continental partnerships.
The two presidents further exchanged ideas on operationalising the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement between Nigeria and Rwanda, reaffirming their commitment to boosting intra-African trade and economic collaboration.
As part of efforts to expand export opportunities for Nigerian businesses, the leaders explored aviation and logistics partnerships. Nigeria, which recently established an air cargo corridor with Uganda Airlines, is now in talks with RwandAir to enhance cargo movement and market access across the continent.
The Africa CEO Forum is expected to commence in Kigali on Wednesday, bringing together top political and business leaders from across Africa and beyond to discuss investment, trade, and economic transformation.
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