President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reassured Nigerians living in Rwanda that his administration will remain committed to creating opportunities, driving reforms, and building a nation where citizens can achieve their dreams and aspirations. The President gave the assurance during an engagement with members of the Nigerian community in Kigali, where he reflected on Rwanda’s transformation and encouraged Nigerians to remain hopeful about the future of their country.
Rwanda's Transformation as Inspiration
Tinubu noted that Rwanda’s ability to overcome its painful past and embrace growth and development serves as an inspiration for African nations striving to build stronger societies. According to him, the symbol on his trademark cap represents his belief in breaking the chains of poverty, ignorance, disease, and every obstacle preventing Nigerians from attaining success. “I will continue to work hard until we realise our dreams,” the President assured the gathering.
Strengthening Ties with Nigerians Abroad
As part of efforts to strengthen ties with Nigerians abroad, Tinubu directed Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires in Rwanda, Ambassador Ibrahim Zanna, to collaborate closely with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and relevant authorities in addressing challenges affecting Nigerians in the country. Ambassador Zanna disclosed that the Nigerian High Commission in Rwanda has already digitised its records to maintain an updated database of Nigerians residing in the East African nation.
Community Contributions and Challenges
Speaking earlier, Chairman of the Association of Nigerians in Rwanda, Prof. Umar Wali, commended members of the Nigerian community for their contributions to Rwanda’s development in sectors including education, ICT, hospitality, business, and sports. Wali, who currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Lay Adventists in Rwanda, explained that the association was established through the efforts of members of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps serving in the country. He added that the association has continued to promote peaceful coexistence, cultural exchange, investment opportunities, and a positive image of Nigeria among Rwandans and the international community.
Despite the achievements recorded by Nigerians in Rwanda, Wali raised concerns over difficulties faced in processing passports and visas, particularly due to the absence of a passport office at the Nigerian High Commission in Kigali. “There is no passport office at the Nigerian High Commission in Kigali, and many Nigerians face difficulties renewing passports and obtaining passports for newborn babies,” he said.
Diaspora Commission and Partnerships
Director-General of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described Nigerians in Rwanda as one of the most accomplished diaspora communities, revealing that the delegation included at least 28 PhD holders. She stated that many Nigerians in Rwanda now occupy leadership positions in multinational organisations and international agencies while maintaining exemplary conduct in their host country.
Also speaking at the event, Dr Olugbemi Adekakan of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) expressed readiness to partner with the Nigerian government on humanitarian and development-focused initiatives. Fatima Attahiru, Programme Manager of the Timbuktoo Africa Initiative under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), also pledged support for programmes focused on skills acquisition and human capital development for Nigerians.
Sports and Infrastructure Development
Former Nigerian-Canadian basketball star and President of the Dallas Mavericks, Masai Ujiri, informed the President of his interest in supporting the growth of sports infrastructure in Nigeria through private-sector investment. Ujiri revealed that he developed the Zaria Court in Rwanda, an international-standard sports and hospitality complex, as part of efforts aimed at advancing youth development and sports tourism in Africa.
Meanwhile, Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Sulaiman Halilu, disclosed that the agency has developed diaspora-focused programmes designed to enable Nigerians abroad contribute to national development and innovation.
Members of the Nigerian community in Rwanda commended President Tinubu for his participation at the Africa CEO Forum and reaffirmed their commitment to projecting Nigeria positively while contributing to the growth of both Rwanda and Nigeria.
