The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says it has completed arrangements for the implementation of a 30-day visa-free entry policy for Rwandan nationals entering Nigeria.
The Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO) of the NIS, Mr Akinsola Akinlabi, said in a statement on Friday in Abuja that the directive followed the announcement by President Bola Tinubu at the Africa CEO Forum held in Kigali, Rwanda.
He explained said that President Tinubu granted Rwandan citizens visa exemption in reciprocation of a similar gesture by the Rwandan Government to Nigerians.
According to Akinlabi, under the bilateral arrangement, Rwandan nationals will be allowed entry into Nigeria without a visa for a period not exceeding 30 days for lawful purposes.
He listed the purposes of the visit include tourism, business and official engagements.
Akinlabi added that any Rwandan national intending to stay in Nigeria beyond the approved 30-day period is required to obtain the appropriate visa.
“This will be through a Nigerian Embassy or High Commission abroad or via the Nigeria e-Visa platform,” he said.
The immigration spokesman said that all international entry points across the country had been directed to begin immediate implementation of the policy in line with the presidential directive and that the entry points included airports, land borders and seaports.
Akinlabi noted that the initiative reflected the strong diplomatic and bilateral relations between Nigeria and Rwanda and that the policy would also promote intra-African mobility, tourism and economic cooperation in line with continental 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 Tinubu,” he said.
GIK/APA