The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the Republic of Rwanda. 

The ministry’s spokesman, Kimiebi Ebienfa, made this known in a statement on Friday, following a courtesy visit of the Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Moses Rugema, to the ministry. 

The minister said such relations would focus on trade, investment, regional security cooperation and increased private sector participation.

Mr Enikanolaiye said there was a need to translate the excellent political relations between Nigeria and Rwanda into tangible economic outcomes.

 According to him, this will require increased private sector engagement, expanded trade and greater investment. 

He emphasised that governments should continue to provide an enabling environment for businesses to drive sustainable economic cooperation and development. 

He emphasised the value of sharing experiences and best practices in governance, human security, infrastructure development, education and public service delivery, as vital to deepening continental cooperation. 

“Such values will contribute significantly toward the realisation of the African Union Agenda 2063 and objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” he said. 

Speaking earlier, Mr Rugema reaffirmed his country’s commitment to further strengthening the longstanding cordial relations between the two countries. 

He said Nigeria and Rwanda had continued to enjoy excellent diplomatic ties, anchored on mutual respect, African solidarity and shared aspirations for peace, regional integration, and sustainable development. 

“It is important to convene the next session of the Nigeria-Rwanda Joint Permanent Commission (JPC). 

“Such technical consultation is underway to conclude outstanding bilateral agreements,” he said. 

Mr Rugema also proposed setting up a Nigeria-Rwanda business forum to facilitate greater collaboration between the private sectors of both countries. 

He highlighted the opportunities presented by AfCFTA for expanding trade and investment. 

“This will also include information and communication technology; healthcare; agriculture; peace and security; defence cooperation, and capacity building.

“These are priority sectors for enhanced cooperation, economic growth, and regional stability,” he said. 

Both countries expressed satisfaction with the excellent state of their bilateral relations and determination to continue working closely to advance shared interests in peace, security, economic cooperation, and sustainable development. 

On regional peace and security, both sides acknowledged the complex security challenges facing the African continent. 

They underscored the importance of enhanced collaboration among African countries in combating violent extremism and transnational organised crime. 

The duo also agreed that African-led solutions, strengthened defence cooperation, and sustained dialogue remained essential to achieving lasting peace and stability across the continent.

 (NAN)