Nigeria and the Republic of Angola have signed a series of landmark agreements covering the fight against illicit drug production and trafficking, as well as cultural and economic cooperation.
The agreements were concluded during the 5th Session of the Nigeria–Angola Bilateral Economic Joint Commission, which held in Luanda, Angola, from September 9 to 12, 2025.
This was disclosed in a statement by Dr. Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Office of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, led the Nigerian delegation and signed on behalf of the Federal Government, while Angolan Secretary of State for International Cooperation, Amb. Domingos Lopes, signed for his country.
As part of the session, Nigeria facilitated a landmark twinning agreement between Bayelsa State and Angola’s Namibe Province, focusing on socio-economic and cultural development. Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State and his Namibe counterpart, Dr. Archer Mangueira, signed the sister-city pact.
A similar economic cooperation deal was brokered between Nasarawa State and Bengo Province.
Speaking at the closing session, Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu underscored the importance of the joint commission, recalling the historic bonds between the two nations dating back to Angola’s independence in 1975.
“Our engagements over the last three days were not only an opportunity to reflect on the state of our bilateral relations, but also to chart new areas of cooperation in line with our shared aspirations for growth and development,” she said.
She noted that the three agreements, particularly the Bayelsa–Namibe twinning deal would foster economic growth, job creation, cultural exchange, and scientific collaboration, all aimed at reducing poverty and promoting prosperity in both nations.
The session also featured high-level meetings of experts from both countries, who deliberated on a range of initiatives including visa waivers, simplified customs procedures, and preferential cargo lanes.
Discussions further focused on trade facilitation, diversification of non-oil sectors, support for indigenous oil services companies, gas-to-power projects, LNG trading, port and transport upgrades, and development of warehousing and inland links.
Other topics included avoidance of double taxation, mechanised agriculture pilot projects for cassava, rice, bananas and poultry, as well as manpower transfer through the Nigeria Technical Aid Programme.
The delegation also discussed opening Naira/Kwanza trade settlement corridors and commended Angola for granting market access to Nigerian banks such as Access Bank and UBA.
Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu added that the parties signed an agreement on creative economy, arts and culture, covering film and music co-productions, touring agreements, and festivals while proposing joint marine tourism ventures and an international boat cruise linking Nigerian and Angolan coasts, especially during the popular “Detty December” festivities.
She described the joint commission as “fruitful,” stressing that both nations were committed to implementing the agreed strategic outcomes to strengthen ties across multiple sectors.
See also:
Ondo Attorney General Hails Agboola Ajayi For Withdrawing Supreme Court Appeal
Tragedy at Delta State University: Body of Freshman Found Hanging on a Tree
Nigeria Must Double Growth Pace, Strengthen Naira To Meet $1tn Economy Target – Economy
Dangote Targets Global Leadership in Fertiliser, Petrochemicals.. Unveils 4,000 CNG Trucks
Mbah Urges Nigerians To Harness Culture As Economic Powerhouse
