Nigeria and Angola have signed a visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic and official/service passports, a move aimed at deepening bilateral relations and facilitating official travel between the two countries.
The agreement was signed on Saturday on the sidelines of the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
The Nigerian delegation was led by Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, while Angola was represented by Minister of International Relations Ambassador Tete Antonio.
Speaking at the signing, Tuggar described the agreement as a “long-awaited milestone” that would enhance cooperation and ease official interactions between both nations.
“The initiative has been long overdue and represents a timely step in strengthening bilateral engagement. It will facilitate smoother official exchanges, deepen institutional cooperation, and create broader opportunities for joint initiatives, dialogue, and partnership,” Tuggar said.
He also highlighted the historical ties between Nigeria and Angola, recalling Nigeria’s support during Angola’s struggle for independence and citing former Head of State General Murtala Muhammed’s landmark speech, Africa Has Come of Age, as a demonstration of Nigeria’s solidarity.
Echoing these sentiments, Angola’s Foreign Minister Antonio praised Nigeria’s principled leadership and diplomatic support during the anti-colonial struggle, describing the agreement as a “practical and forward-looking milestone” that would consolidate long-standing ties and expand opportunities for official engagement.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the visa exemption arrangement is expected to remove administrative barriers to official travel, strengthen policy coordination, and modernize diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Angola, translating historical goodwill into practical and sustained partnerships.
