Nigeria and Angola have formalised a visa exemption agreement for holders of Diplomatic and Official/Service Passports, in a move aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
The agreement was signed on February 15, 2026, on the sidelines of the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa.
Nigeria’s delegation was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, while Angola was represented by its Minister of International Relations, Ambassador Tete Antonio, according to a statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
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Speaking at the signing ceremony, Tuggar described the agreement as both timely and long overdue.
He noted that the visa waiver would ease travel procedures for diplomatic and official passport holders, thereby enhancing formal engagements between both governments.
According to him, the arrangement will promote smoother official exchanges, deepen institutional collaboration and create broader opportunities for joint initiatives and dialogue by allowing authorised government officials to travel more freely without administrative barriers.
Tuggar also reflected on the historical foundation of Nigeria-Angola relations, which he said dates back to the period of ideological conflict between the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) and the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA).
He recalled Nigeria’s strong diplomatic stance during that era, particularly the landmark address delivered by former Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, titled “Africa Has Come of Age,” which underscored Nigeria’s solidarity with Angola’s liberation struggle.
He reiterated that Nigeria’s principled position during Angola’s anti-colonial struggle laid the groundwork for the enduring diplomatic and political relationship shared by both countries today.
On his part, Ambassador Tete Antonio described the signing of the agreement as a substantive reaffirmation of the longstanding solidarity, trust and shared values that have characterised relations between Nigeria and Angola.
He said the development goes beyond a routine diplomatic procedure, representing a renewed commitment to strengthening cooperation.
Antonio explained that the agreement would modernise and reinvigorate bilateral engagement by removing administrative constraints on official travel.
By facilitating easier movement for diplomatic and service passport holders, he said it would enhance policy coordination, mutual understanding and institutional collaboration between both nations.
He also expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s historic support during Angola’s fight for independence, noting that Nigeria’s diplomatic leadership and backing of frontline states played a significant role in Angola’s liberation.
According to him, that legacy of solidarity continues to shape the strong partnership enjoyed by both countries today.
The newly signed agreement is expected to further consolidate Nigeria and Angola’s diplomatic relationship while opening new avenues for closer official cooperation in the years ahead.
