By Gloria Ikibah
The Ambassador of the Republic of Angola to Nigeria, His Excellency José Bamóquina Zau, has hailed Nigeria’s steadfast support for Angola’s liberation and peace, as the Southern African nation marked its 50th Independence Anniversary in Abuja on 11 November 2025.
Delivering his address at the golden jubilee celebration on Thursday in Abuja, with the theme: “Pieces of Angola’s History Told By Protagonists” Ambassador Zau expressed deep gratitude to Nigeria for its role in Angola’s freedom struggle and post-war peacebuilding, describing the milestone as a “moment of shared pride for both nations.” 
The envoy stated that the President of Angola, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, had earlier in the day decorated three distinguished Nigerians who are, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed (posthumously), President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari in recognition of their contributions to Angola’s independence and peace.
“Today, we celebrate 50 years of independence of the Republic of Angola, after long years of anti-colonial struggle and the consolidation of lasting peace throughout the national territory.
“General Murtala Ramat Mohammed, may his soul rest in peace, and President Olusegun Obasanjo received medals from the Class of Honour, while Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari was awarded a medal in the Peace and Development Class,.
“The awards are symbolic recognition and gratitude for their selfless contributions to the process of political emancipation and the achievement of lasting peace in Angola”, he said.
Ambassador Zau paid tribute to Nigeria’s historic support dating back to the 1960s, when Nigeria offered financial and material assistance to Angola’s liberation movement and later granted 20 university scholarships to Angolan students after independence.
He also recognised several Nigerian military officers and diplomats who played key roles in Angola’s peacekeeping and nation-building efforts, including General Ike Nwachukwu, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, Maj. Gen. Chris Garuba, and others, noting their legacy of “honour and solidarity.”
The Ambassador underscored that Angola and Nigeria now face a “new common struggle” — the pursuit of economic stability and sustainable development. He highlighted the successful 5th Session of the Angola–Nigeria Joint Commission held in Luanda in September, after a 24-year hiatus, which renewed cooperation across 29 bilateral agreements and MoUs.
“Since the beginning of the Angolan liberation struggle, Nigeria has always been present, showing its genuine vocation as a Pan-African brotherhood.
“We also want to intensively relaunch our economic and commercial cooperation, based on increasing trade between Luanda and Lagos.
“We are very committed to maintaining cooperation and security in the Gulf of Guinea — an important economic platform rich in mineral resources and hydrocarbons”, Zau noted.
Ambassador Zau reaffirmed Angola’s dedication to deepening its partnership with Nigeria through trade, investment, and cultural exchange, describing the two countries as “bound by history, solidarity, and a shared vision for Africa’s progress.”
In his address, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar restated Nigeria’s strong bilateral ties with the Republic of Angola, and described the relationship as a “testament to Africa’s shared history of liberation, friendship, and progress.”
Tuggar who was represented by Head Southern African Affairs Division, Ambassador Nonyelum Afoekelu, extended warm congratulations to the Government and people of Angola, commending their resilience and progress since gaining independence.
Tuggar said: “We rejoice with the good people of Angola on this special occasion of their independence. Since the end of colonial control, Nigeria has remained a brotherly and friendly country to Angola.
“Nigeria’s support for the liberation of Angola from Portuguese rule, and its recognition of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola as the legitimate representative of the Angolan people, was not in vain.”
The Minister who stated that Nigeria and Angola share 49 years of diplomatic relations, noted that both nations have maintained “warm, respectful and mutually beneficial ties” since Nigeria opened its mission in Luanda in 1976.
“It is heartwarming to note that Angola’s 50th independence anniversary coincides with the 49th anniversary of our diplomatic mission. Our relations have grown over the years through cooperation, mutual respect and shared commitment to African unity”, he said.
Tuggar also recalled the successful resuscitation of the Nigeria–Angola Joint Commission in September 2020, which is the first in 24 years, as a major step in strengthening bilateral cooperation.
According to him, the session produced 29 new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across areas such as economic development, cultural exchange, and the fight against narcotics trafficking.
Tuggar praised Angola’s continued engagement with Nigeria, especially in the areas of trade and investment, noting that Nigerian businesses such as First Bank are expanding their presence in Angola.
Ambassador Tuggar reaffirming Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations between the two nations, saying the partnership “stands as a symbol of African solidarity and a shared vision for prosperity.”
Present at the event were former Minister of Foreign Affairs, General Ike Nwachukwu, Major General Chris Garuba (Rtd.), Chairman NDLEA, Lt. Gen. Buba Marwa, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, Minister of Information, Governor of Bayelsa state among others.
