Nigeria, Angola Seal Deals on Drugs Control, Cultural Exchange

Nigeria, Angola Seal Deals on Drugs Control, Cultural Exchange

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

Nigeria and Angola have signed fresh agreements to deepen cooperation in the fight against illicit drugs, cultural exchange, and other strategic areas as both countries revived their Joint Commission after 24 years.

The agreements were reached at the 5th Session of the Nigeria–Angola Bilateral Economic Joint Commission, held in Luanda, Angola, from September 9 to 12, 2025.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, led Nigeria’s delegation, while Angola’s Secretary of State for International Cooperation, Ambassador Domingos Lopes, signed on behalf of his country.

Speaking after the signing, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the agreements marked “a strategic partnership to boost economic growth and create employment opportunities, thus making a contribution in the fight against poverty and underdevelopment in our two countries.”

She noted that Nigeria and Angola had reached “a new phase” in their relations, adding:

“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.”

The minister also revealed that both sides deliberated on 28 Memoranda of Understanding covering defence cooperation, visa waivers, technical manpower transfer, agriculture projects, LNG trading, trade settlement corridors, and cultural exchange programmes.

“We negotiated on Avoidance of Double Taxation, mechanization in banana, cassava, rice and poultry farming, and technical manpower assistance through the Nigeria Technical Aid Programme.

“We also signed an agreement on creative economy, arts and culture to promote film and music co-productions, festivals and touring projects,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.

The Commission also facilitated a twinning agreement between Bayelsa State and Angola’s Namibe Province, signed by Governor Douye Diri and Governor Archer Mangueira, as well as an economic cooperation pact between Nasarawa State and Bengo Province.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed that the success of the revived commission reflected the determination of both countries to implement the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and Angola’s own development goals.

“In negotiations, no side gets completely what it wants or desires. What we have is a shared responsibility to move our relationship to the next level,” she said.

Other MoUs in areas such as customs cooperation, marine tourism, ports and transport upgrades, LNG swaps, and the establishment of a Nigeria–Angola Business Council are expected to be signed soon.