The directive follows bilateral talks held between President Tinubu and President Paul Kagame on Wednesday May 14, evening, shortly after Tinubu arrived in Kigali to attend the Africa CEO Forum.

According to Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the decision responds Rwanda's existing visa-free policy for Nigerian citizens.

The Nigeria Immigration Service confirmed in an official statement that the federal government has finalized all necessary arrangements for the immediate implementation of the policy.

The newly introduced waiver permits Rwandans to enter Nigeria legally for tourism, business, and official work assignments.

To ensure immediate compliance, the Nigeria Immigration Service announced that all national airports, seaports, and waterways have already been formally notified to execute the presidential directive.

However, the entry easement enforces strict limitations on duration.

The statement noted that "individuals wishing to stay in Nigeria for more than 30 days will be required to apply for a visa at a Nigerian Embassy or use the online Nigeria e-Visa platform."

This policy shift consolidates the robust diplomatic, political, and bilateral relations shared between Rwanda and Nigeria.

The two West and East African nations maintain active cooperation agreements across multiple sectors, including security collaboration, aviation, transport, and healthcare—where Nigerian medical professionals regularly provide technical assistance alongside Rwandan counterparts.