• President Bola Tinubu directed Nigeria’s mission in Rwanda to address passport renewal delays affecting Nigerians in the country
• Nigerians in Rwanda complained about the absence of a passport office at the Nigerian High Commission in Kigali
• Association of Nigerians in Rwanda Chairman, Prof Umar Wali, also highlighted the difficulties Nigerians face renewing passports and obtaining documents for newborns

President Bola Tinubu has ordered Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in Rwanda to urgently tackle delays in passport renewal services affecting Nigerians living in the country.

The directive followed complaints from members of the Nigerian community in Rwanda, who said the absence of a passport office at the Nigerian High Commission in Kigali had made it difficult to renew passports and obtain travel documents for newborn babies.

Tinubu gave the directive during an interactive session with Nigerians in Rwanda on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali.

The delegation included PhD holders, multinational company executives, United Nations officials and professionals across several sectors.

According to a statement issued on Friday, May 15, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the meeting was coordinated by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who described the attendees as some of the most accomplished Nigerians on the continent.

Speaking at the session, Tinubu praised Nigerians in Rwanda for representing the country positively and said his administration’s economic reforms were beginning to deliver results.

“Our reforms are working, and the economy is bright and stable,” the President said.

“We owe every Nigerian, both at home and abroad, the provision of the enabling environment to break and lead in all spheres.”

He also assured the diaspora community of transparent leadership, stating, “Nigeria will be governed transparently. I will lead with sincerity regardless of tribe or any other considerations.”

Tinubu urged Nigerians abroad to avoid ethnic divisions, stressing that national unity should take priority over tribal sentiments.

“The Green-White-Green flag means so much to all of us,” he said.

“Your tribe does not matter, as you have no control over where you are born or who your parents are.”

The President further referenced Rwanda’s recovery after the 1994 genocide, saying the country had “neutralised the past and embraced the future,” while encouraging Nigerians to adopt a similar mindset focused on unity and progress.

Tinubu directed Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires in Rwanda, Ibrahim Zanna, to collaborate with NIDCOM and the Presidency to address issues affecting Nigerians in the country and explore ways to harness the diaspora’s economic and intellectual contributions.

During the engagement, the Chairman of the Association of Nigerians in Rwanda, Umar Wali, highlighted the passport challenges facing Nigerians in the country.

“There is no Passport Office at the Nigerian High Commission in Kigali, and many members of our community face difficulties renewing passports and obtaining passports for newborn babies,” he said.

Among those present was Masai Ujiri, who expressed interest in helping Nigeria develop world-class sports infrastructure.

He pointed to his Zaria Court project in Rwanda as a model that could be replicated in Nigeria to attract investment into sports and hospitality.

Other attendees, including officials from the United Nations and development agencies, also expressed interest in partnering with Nigeria on youth development, skills acquisition and human capital growth initiatives.

Dabiri-Erewa commended Nigerians in Rwanda for maintaining a positive image for the country and contributing meaningfully to their host community.

Tinubu considers 30-day visa-free entry for Rwandan citizens

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu had said Nigeria will “seriously consider” granting Rwandan citizens 30-day visa-free entry, in a move aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties, improving mobility, and advancing Pan-African cooperation.

According to the presidency, the proposed visa-free arrangement would mirror Rwanda’s current policy, which allows Nigerians to enter the country without a visa for up to 30 days.