The Governments of Nigeria and Angola have signed a bilateral agreement to ease the movement of diplomats and government officials between both countries.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, through the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
The agreement, which focuses on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official/service passports, was formally signed on Feb. 15, 2026, on the margins of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa.
Tuggar led the Nigerian delegation, while the Angolan delegation was headed by the Minister of International Relations, Tete Antonio.
Tuggar expressed satisfaction with the signing, describing it as long overdue and a timely step toward strengthening bilateral engagement.
He said the visa exemption arrangement would enhance diplomatic and official relations by easing travel procedures for eligible passport holders.
“The visa exemption arrangement will facilitate smoother official exchanges, deepen institutional cooperation and create broader opportunities for joint initiatives and dialogue.
“It will also deepen partnership by enabling authorised government officials from both sides to move more freely and efficiently without administrative hindrances,” Tuggar said.
He noted that Nigerian-Angolan relations are rooted in a shared history, particularly during Angola’s 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).
According to him, the agreement reflects African independence in decision-making and Nigeria’s solidarity with the Angolan people during their struggle, which laid the foundation for enduring diplomatic and political ties.
In his remarks, Antonio expressed appreciation for the longstanding bond between both nations, recalling Nigeria’s support during Angola’s anti-colonial struggle and quest for national independence.
He described the agreement as a practical and forward-looking milestone that would consolidate historical ties and open new avenues for closer cooperation.
Antonio said the agreement represents not merely a procedural diplomatic step but a substantive reaffirmation of shared values, cooperation and mutual trust.
“By facilitating easier movement for holders of diplomatic and official/service passports, it is expected to strengthen mutual understanding, enhance policy coordination and foster stronger working relationships between relevant institutions on both sides,” he said.