The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) said it has completed arrangements to implement a 30-day visa exemption for citizens of Rwanda. 

The NIS, in a statement on Friday by its public relations officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, said the development followed President Bola Tinubu’s announcement of the policy at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.

Mr Akinlabi noted that the initiative was a way to reciprocate a similar gesture initially extended by the Rwandan Government to Nigerian citizens.

He said the bilateral arrangement would grant Rwandans access into Nigeria without visa for thirty days period and 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,” Mr Akinlabi noted.

He stated that all international entry points into Nigeria, such as airports, land borders and seaports, have been directed to immediately implement the policy as announced by the president. 

The NIS said the initiative was a proof of the strong diplomatic and bilateral relations between Nigeria and Rwanda.

The agency stated that the arrangement would foster intra-African mobility, tourism and economic cooperation in line with continental aspirations.

The NIS reaffirmed its commitment to facilitate safe and lawful migration in line with international best practices and Mr Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.