Nigeria and Angola have sealed a series of bilateral agreements covering drug control, cultural exchange, and state-level economic cooperation, as both nations move to deepen ties under a revived Joint Commission after 24 years of dormancy.
The signing took place during the 5th Session of the Nigeria-Angola Bilateral Economic Joint Commission, held in Luanda from September 9–12, 2025.
Drug Control, Culture, and State-to-State Cooperation
Two major agreements were signed: one on combating illicit drug production and trafficking, and another on cultural cooperation and exchange.
Nigeria also facilitated state-level pacts, including a twinning agreement between Bayelsa State and Angola’s Namibe Province, and another cooperation deal between Nasarawa State and Bengo Province.
Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, signed on behalf of the Federal Government, while Angolan Secretary of State for International Cooperation, Amb. Domingos Lopes, signed for Angola.
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State and Dr. Archer Mangueira of Namibe Province formalized the sister-city pact aimed at boosting socio-economic and cultural development.
“Framework for a Better Future” – Odumegwu-Ojukwu
Speaking at the signing, Odumegwu-Ojukwu hailed the revived commission as a historic moment in Nigeria–Angola relations.
“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,” she said.
“The signing of the agreements, including the Bayelsa–Namibe twinning pact, signals our shared desire to promote economic, cultural, social, and scientific cooperation. It also marks a strategic partnership to boost economic growth and create jobs, contributing to the fight against poverty and underdevelopment in both countries.”
She added that both delegations brought 28 draft MoUs to the table, covering trade, energy, agriculture, and security, many of which are expected to be finalized in the near future.
Broader Cooperation: Defence, Trade, and Visa Waivers
The Nigerian delegation also pushed for agreements in areas including:
Visa waivers and simplified customs procedures
Preferential cargo lanes for trade facilitation
Gas-to-power exploration, LNG trading, and offshore oil partnerships
Technical manpower transfer through Nigeria’s Technical Aid Programme
Creative economy collaborations in film, music, and festivals
Marine tourism and a proposed Nigeria–Angola boat cruise during “Detty December”
At a press briefing, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the talks were “fruitful” and underscored Nigeria’s commitment to implementing the outcomes in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“In negotiations, no side gets completely what it wants. What we have achieved is a balanced document that reflects shared responsibility as we move our relationship to the next level,” she said.
A Strategic Reset After 24 Years
The Nigeria–Angola Joint Commission, last convened in 2001, has now been revived after more than two decades, marking a reset in relations between the two oil-rich African nations.
Both sides pledged the necessary political will to ensure that the agreements are fully implemented in order to expand economic opportunities, strengthen cultural ties, and bolster security cooperation.
Nigeria and Angola Sign Bilateral Agreements on Drug Control, Cultural Exchange,Trade
