Nigeria and Angola have formalised a visa exemption agreement for holders of Diplomatic and Official/Service Passports, marking a significant step in deepening bilateral relations between the two countries.The draft agreement was signed on 15th February 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 from the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa
Speaking on the signing, Tuggar described the agreement as long overdue and timely, highlighting its importance in strengthening diplomatic and official engagement between Nigeria and Angola.He emphasized that the Agreement would significantly enhance diplomatic and official relations between the two brotherly countries by easing travel procedures for holders of diplomatic and official/service passports.
According to him, “the visa exemption arrangement will facilitate smoother official exchanges, deepen institutional cooperation, and create broader opportunities for joint initiatives, dialogue, and partnership by enabling authorized government officials from both sides to move more freely and efficiently without administrative hindrances.
He further informed the gathering that relations between Nigeria and Angola are rooted in a long and shared history, dating 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) in Angola. He recalled Nigeria’s principled and outspoken role during that era, highlighted by the landmark statement delivered by former Nigerian Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, titled “Africa Has Come of Age.”
The Minister reiterated that the historic address represented a firm declaration of African independence in decision-making and demonstrated Nigeria’s unequivocal support and solidarity with the people of Angola in their struggle, laying an enduring foundation for the strong diplomatic and political ties that continue between both countries today.
Ambassador Tete Antonio was quoted to have said, “It is instructive to note that, in light of the well-established historical ties and record of mutual solidarity between Nigeria and Angola, the signing of this Agreement can rightly be regarded as long overdue. Its conclusion represents not merely a procedural diplomatic development but a substantive reaffirmation of the shared values, cooperation, and trust that have characterized relations between both countries over the years.“The Agreement will, ipso facto, reinvigorate and modernize the long-tested diplomatic partnership by removing administrative barriers to official travel and engagement. By facilitating easier movement for holders of diplomatic and official/service passports, it is expected to strengthen mutual understanding, enhance policy coordination, and foster a stronger working chemistry between relevant institutions and authorities on both sides, thereby translating historic goodwill into more practical and sustained collaboration.”He also conveyed profound appreciation for the enduring and historic bond between Angola and Nigeria, particularly recalling the period of anti-colonial struggle and the quest for national independence across the continent.
