The Federal Republic of Nigeria has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Government and people of the Republic of Rwanda on the occasion of their 63rd Independence Anniversary, commemorated on July 1st. This message of goodwill was conveyed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, to His Excellency Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.
Nigeria joins the global community in celebrating this historic milestone, which marks Rwanda’s liberation from colonial rule in 1962 and its journey towards national sovereignty, self-reliance, and unity. The Independence Anniversary is not only a reflection of Rwanda’s past struggles but also a celebration of the country’s remarkable transformation into one of Africa’s most innovative, resilient, and forward-looking nations.
Ambassador Tuggar commended Rwanda’s extraordinary strides in post-genocide recovery, economic diversification, digital innovation, environmental sustainability, and gender inclusion. Under the visionary leadership of President Paul Kagame, Rwanda has emerged as a continental leader in governance reform, public sector efficiency, and peacebuilding, serving as a model for other African nations navigating post-conflict reconstruction and sustainable development.
Nigeria recognizes Rwanda’s influential role in regional stability, mediation efforts, and multilateral diplomacy within platforms such as the African Union, the East African Community (EAC), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the Commonwealth of Nations. Both countries share a commitment to advancing African solutions to African challenges and have consistently championed initiatives aimed at deepening intra-African trade, promoting good governance, and achieving Agenda 2063.
The Government of Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Rwanda across strategic sectors such as trade, education, climate resilience, health systems strengthening, youth and women empowerment, technology, and peacekeeping. Notably, Nigeria and Rwanda have collaborated on continental peacekeeping missions and policy advocacy to promote democracy and security in the Great Lakes and Sahel regions.
Ambassador Tuggar emphasized Nigeria’s readiness to continue working closely with Rwanda to promote Pan-African solidarity, socio-economic transformation, and people-centered development. He also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in addressing shared challenges such as insecurity, forced displacement, climate change, and youth unemployment.
On this momentous occasion, the Government and people of Nigeria express their warmest wishes to the Government and people of Rwanda for a peaceful, prosperous, and joyous Independence Day celebration. Nigeria remains a steadfast ally in the collective vision for an Africa that is united, empowered, and respected on the global stage.
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