The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Government of Angola have signed a bilateral agreement to facilitate the movement of diplomats and government officials between the two countries. On February 15, 2026, the draft agreement was signed in Addis Ababa during the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Heads of State and Government, according to a statement from the ministry's spokesman, Kimiebi Ebienfa. Angola's Minister of International Relations, Ambassador Tete Antonio, represented the country, while Nigeria's delegation was led by Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs. Speaking at the signing, Tuggar emphasized the significance of the agreement in enhancing official and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Angola, calling it long overdue and opportune.
He underlined that by simplifying travel processes for holders of diplomatic and official/service passports, the agreement will greatly improve diplomatic and official relations between the two fraternal nations. "By allowing authorized government officials from both sides to move more freely and efficiently without administrative hindrances, the visa exemption arrangement will facilitate smoother official exchanges, deepen institutional cooperation, and create broader opportunities for joint initiatives, dialogue, and partnership," he said.
He also told the audience that Nigeria and Angola have a long and shared history that dates back to the time when the Popular Movement and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) were at odds over ideologies. He cited the historic speech "Africa Has Come of Age," made by former Nigerian Head of State General Murtala Muhammed, as evidence of Nigeria's moral and vocal position during that time.
The Minister reaffirmed that the historic speech laid the groundwork for the solid diplomatic and political ties that still exist between the two nations today and served as a clear declaration of African independence in decision-making.
It also showed Nigeria's unwavering support and solidarity with the people of Angola in their fight. 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
” As he recalled the time of anti-colonial struggle and the continent's fight for national freedom, he also expressed deep gratitude for the long-standing and historic relationship between Angola and Nigeria. Nigeria stood solidly with frontline States, offering strong diplomatic and political backing that significantly aided Angola's liberation efforts, he said, underscoring the country's principled leadership role in West Africa.
He emphasized that the strong bilateral partnership that exists now was made possible by this legacy of unity. The recently inked agreement, according to Ambassador Antonio, is a pragmatic and forward-looking milestone that will strengthen the two nations' long-standing historical and diplomatic connections while creating new opportunities for deeper official engagement and collaboration.