President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria engaged in significant bilateral discussions with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Kigali, Rwanda, aiming to review consular matters and significantly deepen relations between their two nations. The meeting occurred upon President Tinubu's arrival in Kigali for the Africa CEO Forum, where he met with President Kagame at the Urugwiro Presidential Villa.

A core outcome of their discussions was President Tinubu's commitment to seriously consider reciprocating Rwanda's 30-day visa-free status for Nigerian citizens. This gesture aligns with the spirit of Pan-Africanism, reflecting Nigeria's broader commitment to inter-African integration and mutual respect.

Both leaders underscored the critical importance of reactivating the Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission (JPMC), an agreement originally established between Nigeria and Rwanda in 2021. This commission is viewed as a vital platform for advancing their shared objectives, and it was mutually agreed that Nigeria would host the next meeting of the Commission to push these initiatives forward.

Beyond the JPMC, the presidents also addressed the activation of several pending Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs). These MOUs cover crucial sectors such as tourism, combating illicit drugs, and anti-corruption efforts. Their activation is expected to further cement the cooperative framework between Nigeria and Rwanda, reflecting President Tinubu's dedication to shared prosperity across the continent.

In a move towards enhanced economic integration, Presidents Tinubu and Kagame exchanged ideas on the practical operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) between their respective countries. Both leaders have consistently demonstrated steadfast support for this landmark agreement. Furthermore, Nigeria is actively pursuing discussions with RwandAir to establish air cargo opportunities, mirroring a successful corridor already established with Uganda Airways. This initiative aims to facilitate greater export avenues for Nigerian businesses across the African continent. The Africa CEO Forum, which served as the backdrop for these crucial discussions, commenced on Thursday, May 14, 2023.