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Nigeria and Angola have signed a series of fresh bilateral agreements to tackle illicit drug trafficking, promote cultural exchange, and expand socio-economic cooperation, following the revival of their long-dormant joint economic commission after 24 years.
The agreements were reached at the 5th Session of the Nigeria-Angola Bilateral Economic Joint Commission, which held in Luanda from September 9 to 12.
The session was co-chaired by Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Domingos Lopes, Angola’s Secretary of State for International Cooperation,
While signing on behalf of Nigeria, Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the revival of the commission as “a new chapter” in the historic relationship between both countries, which dates back to Angola’s independence in 1975.
She stressed that the meeting went beyond reflection to charting new areas of cooperation aimed at driving sustainable growth.
“Our meeting in the last three days was not only to reflect on the state of our bilateral relations but also to identify new areas of cooperation in keeping with our collective desire to enhance partnership for a better future.
“We deserve to achieve sustainable economic growth, job creation, people-to-people contact, and poverty reduction for our peoples”, she said.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the outcomes was the signing of three major agreements, including a twinning deal between Bayelsa State and Namibe Province of Angola, and another economic pact linking Nasarawa State with Bengo Province. Odumegwu-Ojukwu described these as “strategic partnerships” designed to stimulate economic growth, expand opportunities, and support the fight against poverty and underdevelopment in both nations.
She assured that Nigeria would commit the necessary political will to implement the agreements in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The commission also addressed practical areas of cooperation such as visa waivers, customs procedures, indigenous participation in oil and gas services, gas-to-power exploration, agriculture, transport and port upgrades, and technical manpower assistance.
On cultural ties, Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted a newly signed agreement on the creative economy, arts, and culture.
This, she explained, would pave the way for film and music co-productions, cultural festivals, touring agreements, and a broader exchange of talent.
She also floated the idea of boosting marine tourism through an international boat cruise connecting Nigerian and Angolan coasts, particularly during the festive “Detty December” period.
“The signing of these agreements signals our collective desire to promote political, economic, cultural, educational and scientific cooperation,” she added, noting that both countries are committed to actualizing the outcomes of the commission.
