By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria and Angola have signed a new agreement that will allow holders of diplomatic and official passports to travel between both countries without visas, marking a fresh chapter in their long-standing relationship.
The agreement was signed on 15 February 2026 on the sidelines of the 39th Ordinary Session of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa. Nigeria’s delegation was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, while Angola was represented by its Minister of International Relations, Ambassador Tete Antonio. 
Speaking after the signing, Ambassador Tuggar described the development as timely and long overdue.
He said, “The draft Agreement between the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Government of the Republic of Angola on Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic and Official/Service Passports was formally signed by both parties on 15th February, 2026, on the margins of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa.
“The initiative had been long overdue and represents a timely step in strengthening bilateral engagement. The Agreement will significantly enhance diplomatic and official relations between our two brotherly countries by easing travel procedures for holders of diplomatic and official/service passports.”
According to him, the arrangement will remove administrative bottlenecks and enable smoother official exchanges.
“The visa exemption arrangement will facilitate smoother official exchanges, deepen institutional cooperation, and create broader opportunities for joint initiatives, dialogue, and partnership by enabling authorised government officials from both sides to move more freely and efficiently without administrative hindrances,” he said.
Ambassador Tuggar also reflected on the historic ties between both nations, recalling Nigeria’s role during Angola’s liberation struggle.
“Relations between Nigeria and Angola are rooted in a long and shared history, dating back to the period of ideological conflict between the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) and the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) in Angola.
“Nigeria played a principled and outspoken role during that era, highlighted by the landmark statement delivered by former Nigerian Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, titled ‘Africa Has Come of Age’. That historic address represented a firm declaration of African independence in decision-making and demonstrated Nigeria’s unequivocal support and solidarity with the people of Angola in their struggle, laying an enduring foundation for the strong diplomatic and political ties that continue between both countries today,” he stated.
On his part, Ambassador Tete Antonio expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s historic support and solidarity, and described the newly signed agreement as a practical step forward.
He said, “Nigeria stood firmly with frontline States, providing strong diplomatic and political backing that contributed meaningfully to Angola’s liberation efforts.
“This legacy of solidarity laid the foundation for the robust bilateral relationship we enjoy today. The newly signed Agreement is a practical and forward-looking milestone that will further consolidate our long-standing historical and diplomatic ties, while opening new avenues for closer official engagement and cooperation,” he said.
The agreement is expected to remove long-standing travel barriers for diplomats and senior government officials, strengthening coordination between both governments and translating decades of goodwill into more structured and sustained collaboration.
