Odita Sunday 
NIS Begins 30-Day Visa-Free Entry for Rwandans as Tinubu Pushes African Integration
By Odita Sunday
The Nigeria Immigration Service has announced the immediate implementation of a 30-day visa exemption policy for citizens of Rwanda entering Nigeria, following a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Service disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its Service Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi.
According to the statement, the policy followed President Tinubu’s announcement at the Africa CEO Forum held in Kigali, Rwanda, where he disclosed that Nigeria would reciprocate Rwanda’s visa-free arrangement for Nigerian citizens.
The NIS stated that all arrangements for the implementation of the directive had been concluded.
Under the bilateral arrangement, Rwandan nationals will now be allowed to enter Nigeria without a visa for a period not exceeding 30 days for lawful activities, including tourism, business, and official engagements.
The Service, however, clarified that any Rwandan citizen intending to remain in Nigeria beyond the approved 30-day period would be required to obtain the appropriate visa through a Nigerian Embassy or High Commission abroad or via the Nigeria e-Visa platform.
“Consequently, 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,” the statement said.
The immigration agency noted that the initiative reflects the growing diplomatic and bilateral relations between Nigeria and Rwanda.
It added that the policy would also promote intra-African mobility, tourism, and economic cooperation in line with broader continental integration aspirations.
“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 urged members of the public seeking clarification or assistance regarding the policy to contact the agency through its verified communication channels.
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