The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced the immediate implementation of a 30-day visa-free entry policy for Rwandan nationals entering Nigeria.
The policy follows the directive announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, granting visa exemption to citizens of Rwanda in reciprocity for similar privileges extended to Nigerians by the Rwandan government.
In a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer of the NIS, Akinsola Akinlabi, the agency confirmed that all arrangements had been concluded for the implementation of the directive.
“Following the announcement by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, granting Rwandan nationals a 30-day visa exemption, reciprocating similar gesture from Rwandan Government to Nigerian citizens, the Nigeria Immigration Service has completed all arrangements for the directive’s implementation,” the statement said.
The NIS stated that under the new arrangement, Rwandan nationals would be allowed entry into Nigeria without a visa for a maximum period of 30 days for legitimate activities.
“Under this bilateral arrangement, Rwandan nationals may enter Nigeria without a visa for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days for lawful purposes, including tourism, business, and official engagements,” the statement added.
The Service, however, clarified that any Rwandan national intending to remain in Nigeria beyond the approved duration must obtain the appropriate visa through Nigerian diplomatic missions or the e-Visa platform.
“Individuals seeking 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 the Nigeria e-Visa channel.”
According to the agency, all international entry points across the country, including airports, land borders and seaports, have been directed to commence immediate implementation of the policy.
“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 noted.
The NIS said the initiative demonstrates the growing diplomatic and bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Rwanda while promoting regional integration across Africa.
“This initiative reflects the strong diplomatic and bilateral relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Rwanda, while promoting intra-African mobility, tourism, and economic cooperation in line with continental aspirations,” the statement said.
The Service also reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safe, orderly and lawful migration in line with international best practices and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.