The Federal Government has officially implemented a 30-day visa-free entry policy for citizens of Rwanda entering Nigeria.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced the development on Friday, saying the directive takes immediate effect across all international entry points in the country.

The policy follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s announcement at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, where he disclosed Nigeria’s decision to grant Rwandan nationals visa-free access as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between both countries.

According to the NIS, the gesture is in reciprocity to Rwanda’s existing policy that allows Nigerian citizens visa-free entry into the East African nation for up to 30 days.

In a statement signed by the Service Public Relations Officer of the NIS, Akinsola Akinlabi, the immigration agency said all necessary arrangements for the implementation of the directive had been concluded.

The statement noted that under the new arrangement, Rwandan nationals would be permitted to enter Nigeria without a visa for lawful activities, including tourism, business, and official engagements, for a maximum period of 30 days.

The Service, however, clarified that individuals intending to stay beyond the approved period must obtain the appropriate visa through a Nigerian Embassy or High Commission abroad, or via the Nigeria e-Visa platform.

The NIS further disclosed that airports, land borders, and seaports across the country had been directed to commence immediate enforcement of the policy in line with the Presidential directive.