President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians living in Rwanda that his administration’s economic reforms are beginning to produce positive results despite the initial hardships experienced by citizens.
Speaking during an interactive meeting with Nigerians in Rwanda on Friday, Tinubu said the country’s economy has become more stable and is gradually improving under his government’s reform programme. According to a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the President acknowledged that the policy changes caused temporary difficulties but maintained that the reforms were necessary for long-term national growth.
Tinubu told the delegation — made up of academics, professionals, entrepreneurs and students — that his administration remains committed to creating opportunities for Nigerians both at home and abroad. He promised transparent leadership and pledged to remove barriers preventing citizens from reaching their full potential.
The President also praised Nigerians in Rwanda for obeying local laws and representing the country positively abroad. He urged them to remain united and avoid ethnic divisions, stressing that national identity should come before tribal differences.
During the meeting, Tinubu directed Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires in Kigali, Ambassador Ibrahim Zanna, to work closely with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and the Presidency to address challenges facing Nigerians in Rwanda, especially issues related to passport and visa services.
Chairman of the Association of Nigerians in Rwanda, Umar Wali, appealed for better consular services, noting that the Nigerian High Commission in Kigali currently lacks a passport office, making document renewal difficult for many Nigerians living there.
Also present at the meeting was Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who said Nigerians in Rwanda are excelling in fields such as education, business, ICT and sports, with many highly skilled professionals contributing positively to society.
Among the prominent Nigerians at the event was Masai Ujiri, who expressed interest in supporting the development of sports infrastructure in Nigeria through private investment initiatives.
