DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH RWANDA
Diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Nigeria have been warm and cordial at both bilateral and multilateral levels since Rwanda attained independence in 1962. Both countries have supported each other at elections to international bodies.
In 2011, Rwanda opened its High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria, and Nigeria opened its High Commission in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2012, following a visit by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to Kigali in 2011. This marked the beginning of formal diplomatic interactions between the two countries.
Nigeria and Rwanda enjoy a strong and growing bilateral relationship rooted in shared values and a commitment to African development. This relationship has evolved significantly over the years as both countries share a common vision of a stable and dynamic Africa contributing positively to the global economy.
Rwanda is a beneficiary of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (TAC) Scheme, with several sets of Nigerian volunteers serving in the health and education sectors in Rwanda. Between 2018 – 2025, about sixty (60) Nigerian volunteers have been sent to various educational institutions across Rwanda.
Nigeria grants a Visa on Arrival to Rwandan diplomatic and official passport holders, and Nigerian citizens enjoy visa-free travel to Rwanda.
At the African Union (AU), both countries are members of the High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan (C5), a special initiative established in 2015 to support ongoing mediation efforts to bring peace and stability to South Sudan.
In December 2022, Nigeria and Rwanda joined the Artemis Accords, a platform that promotes space exploration, becoming the first and second African nations, respectively, to do so.
Military Cooperation and Training:
Military exchange visits/study tours have been recorded between the Nigerian and Rwandan military forces.
Rwandan army officers have been trained in Nigeria’s prestigious military institutions over the years. Notably, General Jean Bosco Kazura and General Patrick Nyamvumba, former Chiefs of Defence Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), are alumni of the National Defence College, Abuja, and Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, respectively. Nigerian Military Officers have also participated in the Senior Command Course in Rwanda.
There is also cooperation in police training with many Rwandan Police Officers benefitting from training at Police Colleges in Nigeria, and the Rwandan National Police also invites its Nigerian counterparts to participate in courses at its Police Academy.
Nigeria and Rwanda have also collaborated in peacekeeping operations, including the United Nations–African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), where both nations were among the largest troop contributors.
Joint Permanent Ministerial Commission:
On 28th September 2021, Nigeria and Rwanda signed the Agreement establishing a Joint Permanent Commission, at the Ministerial level, as a precursor to a framework to further strengthen existing bilateral relations and explore more areas of collaboration.
Economic and Trade Cooperation:
There are several Nigerian-owned businesses and companies operating in Rwanda, such as Access Bank and Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB). The Co-Creation Hub (CcHub), a leading tech hub from Lagos, Nigeria, has expanded to Kigali.
Nigerian privately owned companies in Rwanda are in areas such as Agriculture, ICT, Transportation, Telecommunication, Education and Capacity Building, Catering, etc. Many Nigerian individuals, groups, and companies visit Rwanda frequently on business exploratory visits and vice versa.
A Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Rwanda was signed in 2018 and ratified in 2020. This agreement has enhanced air connectivity between the two countries, offering significant opportunities for trade and tourism. RwandAir
In March 2012, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) organised a business trip to Rwanda, followed by the first Nigeria-Rwanda Economic Summit held in Lagos two months later. Engagements such as these have facilitated increased interaction and collaboration between the business communities of both countries.
In November 2024, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Private Sector Federation (PSF) of Rwanda signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance trade facilitation, investment promotion, and capacity building.
The relationship between Nigeria and Rwanda offers exciting prospects, and we at the Nigerian High Commission will continue to facilitate the connections that will drive economic, political, and social objectives in line with our Station Charter.