Nigeria and Angola signs visa exemption deal

Nigeria and Angola have signed visa exemption agreements  for holders of Diplomatic and Official/Service Passports. 

This is part of the efforts at deepening relations between both countries. 

The draft agreement 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 Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, according to a statement by the Spokesperson of the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, led Nigeria’s delegation to the signing of the agreement while the Angolan delegation was led by the Minister of International Relations, Ambassador Tete Antonio.

 Tuggar, according to the statement, expressed his satisfaction at the eventual signing of the agreement, noting that the initiative had been long overdue and represented a timely step in strengthening bilateral engagement.

“He emphasized that the agreement would significantly enhance diplomatic and official relations between the two brotherly countries by easing travel procedures for holders of diplomatic and official/service passports. 

“According to him, the visa exemption arrangement will facilitate smoother official exchanges, deepen institutional cooperation, and create broader opportunities for joint initiatives, dialogue, and partnership by enabling authorized government officials from both sides to move more freely and efficiently without administrative hindrances.

“He further informed the gathering that 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. He recalled Nigeria’s 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.”

The minister reiterated that the 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.