KIGALI, Rwanda – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Paul Kagame have resolved to activate key diplomatic mechanisms to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Rwanda.
Okay News reports that the two leaders met on Wednesday at the Urugwiro Presidential Villa in Kigali, shortly after President Tinubu arrived for the 2026 Africa CEO Forum. A major highlight of the discussion was President Tinubu’s statement that Nigeria will “seriously consider” reciprocating Rwanda’s existing 30-day visa-free status for Nigerians; a move seen as a significant step toward Pan-African integration.
Based on current market data, travelers between the two nations will find the exchange rate relatively stable, with ₦1 currently exchanging for approximately 1.07 Rwandan Francs (RWF) as of May 14, 2026.
Both presidents emphasized the urgent need to revive the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission (JPMC), a framework originally signed in 2021 to drive shared economic and security objectives. It was agreed that Nigeria will host the Commission’s next meeting to finalize pending Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) in critical areas including Tourism development, anti-corruption initiatives and combating illicit drug trafficking.
In a bid to operationalize the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Nigeria is currently in talks with RwandAir to establish a dedicated air cargo partnership. This follows the successful launch of a similar cargo corridor with Uganda Airlines last year and is expected to significantly boost export opportunities for Nigerian businesses across the continent.
The 13th Africa CEO Forum officially kicks off today, May 14, with President Tinubu expected to deliver a keynote address on Nigeria’s economic reforms to a gathering of the continent’s top private sector leaders and investors.
