By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria and Angola are set to sign no fewer than 15 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) as the 5th session of the Nigeria–Angola Bilateral Economic Joint Commission (BEJC) opened in Luanda on Tuesday, more than two decades after the last meeting was held.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the agreements would breathe new life into bilateral relations and drive cooperation across a wide range of sectors including defence, security, migration, education, mining, and health.
“These MOUs will not only enhance our mutual interests but also strengthen domestic institutions, promote economic and social growth, and build capacity for our two friendly nations,” she said.
The agreements cover the establishment of a Nigeria–Angola Business Council, economic and technical cooperation, combating drug trafficking, visa waivers for diplomatic and official passport holders, correctional reforms, youth development, anti-corruption collaboration, policing and intelligence, media and cultural exchanges, as well as cooperation in mining, transport, and health.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed regret that efforts to convene the Joint Commission since its last session in Abuja in October 2001 had failed, but welcomed its revival after years of delay.
“Our gathering here today is the outcome of renewed efforts by both countries since February this year, following decades of unfruitful attempts including the failed 2013 technical talks,” she explained.
She added that the reactivation of the Joint Commission reflected the determination of both countries to revive long-dormant agreements and push forward shared diplomatic and economic aspirations.
“I am specifically delighted to note that the collecve efforts by both sides have yielded results in the drafting and vetting of 19 Memoranda of Understanding, along with two twinning agreementseen Bayelsa State and Angola’s Namibe Province, and between Nasarawa State and Angola’s Bengo Province,” she said.
The Minister further disclosed that other matters on the table include a possible Nigeria–Angola air services agreement, Nigerian banks operating in Angola, double taxation treaties, and wider cooperation in oil, gas and mineral development.
To streamline discussions, Nigeria has proposed four broad working groups: Diplomatic, Consular and Migration; Defence and Security; Economic Trade and Investment; and Natural and Human Resources Development.
In his opening remarks, Angola’s Secretary of State for International Cooperation, Domingos Vieira Lopes, welcomed the Nigerian delegation, emphasising the importance of the talks.
“This meeting is an opportunity to strengthen the ties and diplomatic relationship between African people. I am convinced it will open new dynamics in our relationship,” he said.
He recalled Nigeria’s pivotal role in recognising Angola’s independence in 1975 and said the signing of new cooperation agreements would “boost our bilateral relations” with “enormous mutual benefit” for both nations.
The Joint Commission will run until Friday.
