President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Paul Kagame have agreed to deepen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Rwanda following a high-level meeting at the Urugwiro Presidential Villa in Kigali.

The meeting took place shortly after President Tinubu’s arrival in Rwanda for the ongoing Africa CEO Forum, where both leaders discussed measures aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, diplomacy, regional integration, and economic development.

A major outcome of the talks was the decision to revive the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission (JPMC), first signed by both countries in 2021, as a strategic platform for advancing shared interests. The leaders also agreed that Nigeria would host the next session of the Commission.

On consular matters, President Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria would seriously consider reciprocating Rwanda’s 30-day visa-free policy for Nigerians, describing the move as consistent with the spirit of Pan-Africanism and continental integration.

The two presidents further reviewed pending Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) covering tourism, anti-corruption, and the fight against illicit drugs, reaffirming their commitment to stronger institutional cooperation.

President Tinubu and President Kagame also exchanged ideas on advancing the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), with both leaders reiterating their support for greater intra-African trade and economic collaboration.

As part of efforts to expand export opportunities for Nigerian businesses across Africa, discussions are also ongoing between Nigeria and RwandAir following the establishment of Nigeria’s air cargo corridor with Uganda Airways last year.

The Africa CEO Forum officially begins in Kigali on Thursday.