Nigeria and Angola have reignited their long-standing bilateral relationship, with both countries set to sign about 15 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) at the 5th session of the Nigeria–Angola Bilateral Economic Joint Commission (BEJC) in Luanda.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the agreements would deepen bilateral ties, strengthen institutions, and accelerate economic and social development across both nations.
Mrs Odumegwu-Ojukwu said; “This reactivation, which has birthed the 5th Session of the Joint Commission, has provided an opportunity to resuscitate the moribund bilateral agreements between the two countries. I am specifically delighted to note that the collective efforts by both sides have yielded results in the drafting, strenuous vetting of 19 Memoranda of Understanding together with two Twinning Agreements between the Government of Bayelsa State and the Province of Namibe as well as the Twinning Agreement between the Government of Nasarawa State and the Province of Bengo on very important areas of cooperation for final consideration during this Joint Commission meeting.”
The Minister disclosed that deliberations would also cover human and natural resources development, technical manpower assistance, bilateral air services, cooperation in oil, gas, and minerals, as well as tax and financial frameworks.
Mrs Odumegwu-Ojukwu said that agreements on eliminating double taxation and facilitating Nigerian banks’ operations in Angola were also under review.
To drive the Commission’s outcomes, Nigeria has proposed four working groups: Diplomatic, Consular and Migration; Defence and Security; Economic, Trade and Investment; and Natural and Human Resources Development.
Recalling Nigeria’s historical role in Angola’s liberation struggle and the establishment of its diplomatic mission in Luanda in 1975, Mrs Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasised that this was the first session of the Joint Commission since 2001, after several failed attempts including one in 2013.
Welcoming the Nigerian delegation, Angola’s Secretary of State for International Cooperation, Domingos Vieira Lopes, said the renewed partnership would deliver lasting gains.
He said; “This meeting is an opportunity to strengthen ties between our peoples. Nigeria was the first country to recognise Angola’s independence in 1975, and our relationship has grown since then. The signing of new cooperation instruments will boost bilateral relations and deliver mutual benefits for development and growth in both countries.”
With the signing of the forthcoming MoUs, Nigeria and Angola are poised to usher in a new chapter of cooperation—one that builds on shared history while opening fresh opportunities for economic, political, and social advancement.
PIAK