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Nigeria and Angola have renewed their diplomatic ties with the signing of key agreements to fight drug trafficking and promote cultural exchange. The agreements were reached during the 5th Session of the Nigeria-Angola Bilateral Economic Joint Commission, which took place in Luanda, Angola, from September 9 to 12, 2025. This was the first time in 24 years that the joint commission was held.
According to a statement by Magnus Eze, the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, the agreements cover cooperation in combating the production, trafficking, and abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, as well as cultural cooperation between the two countries.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, signed on behalf of Nigeria, while Angola’s Secretary of State for International Cooperation, Ambassador Domingos Lopes, signed for his country. Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the agreements as an important step in strengthening diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties between Nigeria and Angola.
She explained that the engagements went beyond ceremony, stressing that they were part of a bigger strategy to improve economic growth, job creation, and people-to-people contact. According to her, both countries are determined to work together to reduce poverty and underdevelopment.
During the meeting, the two countries signed three major agreements, including a historic twinning arrangement between Bayelsa State of Nigeria and Namibe Province of Angola. Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State and his Namibe counterpart, Archer Mangueira, were both present at the signing. The partnership is expected to create opportunities in economic, cultural, social, and scientific areas.
Another agreement was also sealed between Nasarawa State and Angola’s Bengo Province. This arrangement will focus on socio-economic cooperation, including trade, investment, and development initiatives.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu further revealed that the bilateral talks produced other outcomes, such as plans to introduce visa waivers for easier travel between both nations, simplified customs procedures to promote trade, and the creation of new trade and investment corridors. She also noted that Angola has shown openness to Nigerian financial institutions, which could help boost banking and investment opportunities across both countries.
On the cultural side, Nigeria and Angola signed an agreement on the creative economy. This includes cooperation in arts, music, and film production. Plans were also made for festivals, joint tours, and co-productions that would strengthen cultural ties and promote the creative industries of both nations.
To support tourism, Nigeria proposed the launch of an international boat cruise that would connect Nigerian and Angolan coasts. Odumegwu-Ojukwu said such a project could be linked to popular holiday seasons like Detty December, creating new opportunities in marine tourism.
She further disclosed that 28 draft Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were tabled during the meetings. These MoUs covered different areas of cooperation, including trade, education, science, technology, and infrastructure. While not all were signed at this session, both countries agreed that additional MoUs would be finalised and signed at a later date.
The minister commended both delegations for the long hours they spent in negotiation. She explained that in such talks, it is normal for no side to get everything it wants, but the outcome reflected a fair balance of responsibilities and commitments between Nigeria and Angola. She assured that Nigeria remains committed to deepening ties with Angola.
The renewed cooperation is expected to improve relations that had been inactive for over two decades. It also signals a new era of engagement between both countries, with strong focus on security, culture, economy, and people-to-people partnerships.
