Nigeria Grants Rwandans 30‑Day Visa‑Free Entry

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced that it will immediately implement a 30‑day visa exemption for Rwandan citizens entering Nigeria, following a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

This policy, which takes effect at all international entry points across the country, was revealed in a statement signed by the NIS Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, in Abuja.

According to the statement, the visa‑free arrangement comes after President Tinubu announced at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali that Nigeria would reciprocate a similar gesture already granted to Nigerian citizens by the Rwandan government.

Under the new arrangement, Rwandan nationals may enter Nigeria without a visa for up to 30 days for lawful activities such as tourism, business, and official visits.

The NIS clarified that individuals who wish to stay beyond the 30‑day period must obtain an appropriate visa, either through a Nigerian embassy or high commission abroad or via the Nigeria e‑Visa platform.

The agency directed all airports, land borders, and seaports to begin implementing the policy immediately, in line with the presidential directive.

According to the Service, the initiative reflects the growing diplomatic and bilateral ties between Nigeria and Rwanda and is expected to enhance intra‑African mobility, tourism, and economic cooperation in line with broader continental integration goals.

“The Service 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,” the statement added.

The NIS also advised the public to seek clarification or assistance regarding the policy through its verified communication channels, including official social media handles and 24‑hour contact centre lines.