Nigeria permits Rwandan citizens visa‑free entry for 30 days

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced that it has finalized arrangements to implement a 30‑day visa‑free entry policy for Rwandan citizens traveling to Nigeria.

SPRO of NIS, Mr Akinsola Akinlabi, made the disclosure in a statement released on Friday in Abuja.

Akinlabi noted that the directive followed President Bola Tinubu’s announcement at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.

He added that the President granted visa exemption to Rwandan citizens as a reciprocal measure to a similar gesture by the Rwandan government toward Nigerians.

Under the bilateral arrangement, Rwandan nationals may enter Nigeria without a visa for up to 30 days for lawful purposes.

He specified that the permitted purposes include tourism, business, and official engagements.

Rwandan nationals who wish to stay longer than 30 days must obtain the appropriate visa.

He said the visa could be obtained through a Nigerian embassy or high commission abroad or via the Nigeria e‑Visa platform.

The spokesman stated that all international entry points in the country have been instructed to implement the policy immediately, in accordance with the presidential directive.

He clarified that the entry points include airports, land borders, and seaports.

Akinlabi highlighted that the initiative reflects the strong diplomatic and bilateral ties between Nigeria and Rwanda.

He added that the policy would promote intra‑African mobility, tourism, and economic cooperation in line with continental aspirations.

He said the Service remains committed to facilitating safe, orderly, and lawful migration in line with international best practices and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The NIS spokesman urged the public seeking clarification or assistance to contact the Service through its verified communication channels.

He listed the channels as X and Instagram handles @nigimmigration,