Get Guardian on GoogleThe Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has finalised arrangements to implement a 30-day visa exemption for citizens of Rwanda, following an announcement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The policy was according to the agency, was unveiled by the President during the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, as a reciprocal gesture to the Rwandan government, which already grants similar visa free entry to Nigerian citizens.
A statement by the NIS Public Relations Officer, (PRO), Akinsola Akinlabi, Friday in Abuja noted that under the new bilateral agreement, Rwandan nationals are permitted to enter Nigeria for up to 30 days without a visa for “lawful purposes,” including business, tourism, and official engagements.
The NIS clarified that anyone wishing to stay longer than the initial month must apply for the appropriate visa via a Nigerian embassy abroad or the official e-Visa channel.
In a statement released Akinlabi, confirmed that the directive has been passed down to all border agencies.
“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 read.
The NIS noted that the initiative is a reflection of the strong diplomatic and bilateral relations between Nigeria and Rwanda and serves to promote intra-African mobility and economic cooperation.
The Service further emphasised its commitment to facilitating migration in accordance with international best practices and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The Service remains committed to facilitating safe, orderly, and lawful migration,” Akinlabi added.
He advises the public that any enquiries regarding the new policy can be directed to the NIS via their 24-hour contact centre or verified social media channels.
