By Uriel Ihotu
Nigeria and Angola have taken a major step in strengthening bilateral relations after signing landmark agreements on drug control, cultural exchange, and state-to-state cooperation at the 5th Session of the Nigeria-Angola Joint Economic Commission, held in Luanda from September 9–12, 2025.
This was contained in a statement signed by Dr. Magnus Eze Special Assistant on Communication and New Media Office of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
According to the statement, the meeting, which resumed after a 24-year break, produced two major agreements on curbing illicit drug production and trafficking, and on deepening cultural cooperation.
In addition, Nigeria facilitated sister-state partnerships between Bayelsa State and Angola’s Namibe Province, as well as between Nasarawa State and Bengo Province, aimed at boosting socio-economic and cultural development.
Nigeria’s delegation, led by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, signed on behalf of the Federal Government, while Angola’s Secretary of State for International Cooperation, Ambassador Domingos Lopes, signed for his country. Governors Douye Diri (Bayelsa) and Archer Mangueira (Namibe) also formalized their twinning agreement.
Speaking after the signing, Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the revival of the Joint Commission as “a historic moment,” recalling the ties between both countries dating back to Angola’s independence in 1975.
“Our meeting was not only to reflect on the state of our bilateral relations but also to identify new areas of cooperation in line with our shared desire to enhance partnership for a better future,” she said. “The agreements we signed particularly the Bayelsa–Namibe twinning pact—signal our determination to promote economic growth, cultural collaboration, job creation, and poverty reduction.”
She noted that 28 memoranda of understanding were tabled and deliberated on, covering key sectors including:
- Visa waivers and simplified customs procedures.
- Energy cooperation in gas-to-power, LNG trading, and offshore services.
- Agricultural pilot projects on rice, cassava, banana, and poultry for export.
- Technical manpower assistance through the Nigeria Technical Aid Programme.
- Trade settlements via a proposed Naira/Kwanza payment corridor.
- Creative economy partnerships in film, music, festivals, and cultural exchange.
- Marine tourism initiatives, including a proposed Nigeria–Angola cruise route.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized that the outcomes reflected “shared responsibilities and mutual commitment,” assuring that Nigeria would fully implement the agreements in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
She also hinted at more deals ahead, including avoidance of double taxation, investment promotion, and the establishment of a Nigeria–Angola business council.
The Minister praised both delegations for their commitment: “The long hours spent by our officials underscore the seriousness attached to this partnership. No side gets everything in negotiations, but we now have a framework to move our relationship to the next level.”
Other memoranda are expected to be finalized and signed in the coming months, signaling a new era in Nigeria–Angola relations.
