The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has said it has completed arrangements to implement President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive granting Rwandan nationals a 30-day visa-free entry into Nigeria.
The Service said the move is in reciprocity of a similar arrangement by the Rwandan government, which granted Nigerian citizens a 30-day visa exemption.
In a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, the NIS said the directive was announced by President Tinubu at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.
The statement noted that the Service had finalised all necessary preparations to ensure smooth implementation of the policy.
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According to the NIS, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu granted Rwandan nationals a 30-day visa exemption, reciprocating a similar gesture extended by the Rwandan government to Nigerian citizens.
The Service added that the decision reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and improve the ease of movement between both countries.
“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. However, 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,” he stated.
Consequently, he said, 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.
He informed that the Nigeria Immigration Service, on the 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 Service however, notes that it remains committed to facilitating safe, orderly, and lawful migration in accordance with international best practices and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
