Nigeria Angola Visa Exemption agreement signed at AU summit to ease official travel and deepen diplomatic cooperation between both nations

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Government of Angola on Saturday signed a landmark Nigeria Angola Visa Exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic and official or service passports, marking a significant step towards deepening bilateral ties.

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The agreement was concluded on the margins of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa.

Nigeria’s delegation was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, while Angola’s delegation was headed by the Minister of International Relations, Ambassador Tete António.

According to a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Nigeria Angola Visa Exemption arrangement is designed to ease official travel and strengthen institutional cooperation between both countries.

Ambassador Tuggar described the signing as a long-awaited and timely milestone in the relationship between Abuja and Luanda.

The minister said the agreement would facilitate smoother official exchanges and create broader opportunities for joint initiatives and dialogue.

“The initiative has been long overdue and represents a timely step in strengthening bilateral engagement,” Ambassador Tuggar said at the ceremony.

The minister explained that the visa waiver would enable holders of diplomatic and official or service passports to travel more freely, thereby enhancing policy coordination and partnership in key sectors.

Ambassador Tuggar also reflected on the historical ties binding both nations, recalling Nigeria’s pivotal role during Angola’s liberation struggle.

The minister referenced the ideological conflict between the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola and the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola, and cited the celebrated address by former Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, titled “Africa Has Come of Age”, as a powerful declaration of solidarity with Angola’s quest for independence.

Ambassador António, in his remarks, expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s enduring support during Africa’s anti-colonial struggle.

The Angolan minister said the legacy of solidarity laid the foundation for what he described as a robust bilateral relationship.

“The newly signed agreement is a practical and forward-looking milestone that will consolidate our long-standing ties and expand opportunities for official engagement,” Ambassador António said.

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the visa exemption is expected to remove administrative barriers to official travel, modernise diplomatic engagement and translate decades of goodwill into sustained, strategic partnerships between Nigeria and Angola.