By IBIRONKE ARIYO

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), NIS, Mr Akinsola Akinlabi, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Akinlabi said the directive followed the announcement by President Bola Tinubu at the Africa CEO Forum held in Kigali, Rwanda.

He said that the President granted Rwandan citizens visa exemption in reciprocation of a similar gesture by the Rwandan Government to Nigerians.

He also said that under the bilateral arrangement, Rwandan nationals would be allowed entry into Nigeria without a visa for a period not exceeding 30 days for lawful purposes.

He, however, listed the purposes to include tourism, business and official engagements.

According to him, any Rwandan national intending to stay in Nigeria beyond the approved 30-day period must 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.

He explained 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.

He added 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.

The NIS spokesman urged members of the public seeking clarification or assistance on the policy to contact the Service through its verified communication channels.

He listed the channels as X and Instagram handles: @nigimmigration; Facebook: @nigimmigration; contact centre numbers: 09121900655, 09121556359 and 09121477092, available 24 hours daily.

He also listed WhatsApp numbers as 0916087800 and 09117717772. (NAN)

Update news