Nigeria and Angola have signed a visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic and official/service passports.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the agreement was signed on Saturday on the sidelines of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa.
The Nigerian delegation was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb Yusuf Tuggar, while Angola’s delegation was headed by the Minister of International Relations, Amb Tete Antonio.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Tuggar described the agreement as a long-awaited milestone that would deepen cooperation between the two countries.
He said the signing was aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and easing official travel between both nations.
“The initiative has been long overdue and represents a timely step in strengthening bilateral engagement,” Tuggar said.
He explained that the visa exemption would enable holders of diplomatic and official/service passports to travel more freely between the two countries.
“The arrangement will facilitate smoother official exchanges, deepen institutional cooperation and create broader opportunities for joint initiatives, dialogue and partnership,” he added.
Tuggar highlighted the historical ties between Nigeria and Angola, recalling Nigeria’s role during Angola’s liberation struggle.
He noted that relations dated back to the ideological conflict between the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola and the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola.
He referenced the landmark speech by former Head of State, Gen Murtala Muhammed, titled “Africa Has Come of Age,” as a strong expression of Nigeria’s support for Angola’s independence.
“The historic address represented a firm declaration of African independence in decision-making and demonstrated Nigeria’s solidarity with the people of Angola,” he said.
In his remarks, Antonio expressed appreciation for the longstanding relationship between both countries and Nigeria’s role during Africa’s anti-colonial struggle.
“This legacy of solidarity laid the foundation for the robust bilateral relationship we enjoy today,” he said.
Describing the agreement as a practical step forward, he said it would consolidate diplomatic ties and open new avenues for cooperation.
“The newly signed agreement is a practical and forward-looking milestone that will consolidate our long-standing ties and expand opportunities for official engagement,” he added.
The ministry said the agreement would translate historical goodwill into sustained partnerships while modernising diplomatic relations between both nations.
It added that the visa exemption is expected to remove administrative barriers to official travel, strengthen policy coordination and enhance collaboration between relevant institutions in Nigeria and Angola.
The PUNCH