Nigeria and Angola formalise diplomatic visa waiver deal, boosting bilateral ties and easing official travel between both countries.
Nigeria and Angola have formalised a new agreement to waive visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed during the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The agreement was signed on Sunday by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and Angola’s Minister of External Relations, Téte António, on the sidelines of the African Union summit in the Ethiopian capital. The move is expected to ease official travel between both nations and deepen diplomatic engagement.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Tuggar underscored the broader implications of the agreement, stating that enhanced mobility for government officials would lay the groundwork for stronger economic and private sector collaboration.
“It is the very foundation of strengthening the relationship between Nigeria and Angola,” the minister said.
“When government officials move freely then they create the opportunity for the private sector to move freely. Our hope and prayer is that in the not too distant future, Nigerians and Angolans move freely too between the countries.”
Tuggar further described the development as “significant,” reflecting on the historical ties between both countries. He noted that the late former Head of State, Murtala Mohammed, once delivered a landmark address in Addis Ababa on the evolution of Nigeria’s political relationship with Angola.
For his part, António expressed confidence that the newly signed MoU would serve as a pathway toward broader visa waivers in the future, signalling a commitment by both governments to expand cooperation beyond diplomatic circles.
The agreement adds momentum to ongoing efforts by both African nations to strengthen political, economic and regional partnerships under the framework of continental integration.
