Nigeria and Angola have renewed their bilateral relationship with the signing of two major agreements aimed at combating illicit drug activities and strengthening cultural cooperation.
The agreements were signed during the 5th Session of the Nigeria-Angola Bilateral Economic Joint Commission, held in Luanda, Angola, from September 9 to 12, 2025. This was the first time the commission had convened in 24 years.
According to the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Magnus Eze, the agreements cover cooperation on tackling the illicit production, manufacture and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, as well as cultural cooperation and exchange.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who signed on behalf of Nigeria, described the agreements as part of a broader strategy to strengthen ties between the two countries.
She emphasized that the talks were focused on expanding economic growth, creating jobs, reducing poverty and improving people-to-people relations.
Other areas of agreement include visa waivers, simplified customs procedures, new trade and investment corridors, and opportunities for Nigerian banks in Angola. The two countries also signed an agreement to promote cultural exchange in the creative sector, covering film, music, and festivals.
Nigeria further proposed developing marine tourism through an international boat cruise between the Nigerian and Angolan coasts, particularly during the festive “Detty December” season.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu disclosed that 28 draft Memoranda of Understanding were presented during the talks, with additional agreements to be signed at a later date.
As part of the outcomes, a twinning agreement was signed between Bayelsa State and Angola’s Namibe Province, while another was concluded between Nasarawa State and Bengo Province to boost socio-economic cooperation.
About the Author
