Nigeria and Angola have signed a visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic and official service passports, a development both countries say will strengthen bilateral relations and ease official travel between the two nations.
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, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, in Abuja.
The Nigerian delegation was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, while Angola’s delegation was headed by the country’s Minister of International Relations, Ambassador Tete Antonio.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Tuggar described the agreement as a long-awaited milestone that would deepen cooperation between the two countries.
“The initiative has been long overdue and represents a timely step in strengthening bilateral engagement,” Tuggar said.
He explained that the visa exemption arrangement would improve official interactions by allowing 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,” the minister said.
Tuggar also highlighted the historical ties between Nigeria and Angola, recalling Nigeria’s role during Angola’s struggle for liberation. He noted that relations between the two countries date back to the ideological conflict involving 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 Nigerian Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, titled Africa Has Come of Age, describing it as a strong expression of Nigeria’s support for Angola during its struggle for 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, Angola’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Tete Antonio, expressed appreciation for the longstanding relationship between both countries and Nigeria’s role during the anti-colonial struggle across Africa.
He said Nigeria had demonstrated principled leadership by supporting West Africa, standing firmly with frontline states and providing diplomatic backing that contributed to Angola’s liberation efforts.
“This legacy of solidarity laid the foundation for the robust bilateral relationship we enjoy today,” Antonio said.
Describing the agreement as a practical step forward, he said it would further consolidate diplomatic ties while opening new avenues for closer 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 statement noted that the move would help translate historical goodwill into more practical and sustained partnerships, while modernising the diplomatic relationship between both nations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the agreement was not merely a procedural diplomatic development but a reaffirmation of shared values and mutual trust between both countries.
The visa exemption arrangement is expected to remove administrative barriers to official travel, strengthen policy coordination and improve collaboration between relevant institutions in Nigeria and Angola.
