Presidents Bola Tinubu and Paul Kagame of Rwanda have pledged to revive dormant mechanisms for closer bilateral relations, including a joint Ministeriam commission signed in 2021.
The leaders met at Rwanda’s Urugwiro Presidential Villa ahead of the Africa CEO Forum, which opens Friday.
Both President Tinubu and Kegame agreed to activate the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission as a platform for shared goals, with Nigeria set to host the next session.
A statement by the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga said on consular issues, Tinubu said Nigeria would weigh matching Rwanda’s 30-day visa-free entry for Nigerians, citing Pan-African solidarity.
The two leaders also committed to implementing pending memorandums of understanding on tourism, illicit drugs and anti-corruption efforts.
The bilateral discussions touched on operationalizing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACfTA) between the nations, an accord both leaders back strongly.
Bayo said, Nigeria, which launched an air cargo corridor with Uganda Airways last year, is now negotiating with RwandAir to boost export channels for its businesses continent-wide.
NewsQuest reports that moves is indicative of President Tinubu administration’s drive for African integration with efforts to expand trade and curb cross-border crime.
