‎The federal government of Nigeria and Angola have signed two agreements aimed at combating illicit drug activities and strengthening cultural cooperation.

‎Aimed at formalizing a renewed bilateral relationship, the pacts were signed during the recently concluded 5th Session of the Nigeria-Angola Bilateral Economic Joint Commission, held in Luanda, Angola, from September 9 to 12, 2025.

‎Making this known on Sunday, the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Magnus Eze, stated that this was the first time the Joint Commission convened in 24 years.

‎He stated; “The Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Angola have signed two agreements consisting of cooperation on combating illicit production, manufacture and trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors, as well as on cultural cooperation and exchange.”

‎Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, emphasized that the agreements and the broader diplomatic engagement between the two countries are very important.

‎The statement quoted Bianca as saying, “Our meeting in the last three days was not only to reflect on the state of our bilateral relations but also to identify new areas of cooperation in keeping with our collective desire to enhance partnership for a better future.

‎“We deserve to achieve sustainable economic growth, job creation, people-to-people contact, and poverty reduction for our people.

‎”The agreements were not just ceremonial but were part of a broader strategy.”

‎According to the statement, the minister added, “The signing of the three agreements, including the historic twinning agreement between Bayelsa State of Nigeria and the Province of Namibe in Angola in areas of cooperation, not only signals our collective desire to promote economic, political, cultural, social, educational and scientific cooperation.

‎“It also marks a strategic partnership to boost economic growth and create employment opportunities, thus contributing to the fight against poverty and underdevelopment in our two countries.”

‎Odumegwu-Ojukwu signed on behalf of Nigeria, while Angola’s Secretary of State for International Cooperation, Ambassador Domingos Lopes, represented his country.

‎Also present at the signing were Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State and his Namibe Province counterpart, Archer Mangueira, who formalized a twinning agreement between their regions, the statement stated further.

‎In addition to the Bayelsa-Namibe partnership, another sub-national agreement was brokered between Nasarawa State and Angola’s Bengo Province, focusing on socio-economic cooperation.

‎The statement added that Odumegwu-Ojukwu detailed further outcomes of the bilateral talks, which included plans for visa waivers, simplified customs procedures, and new trade and investment corridors.

‎She also acknowledged Angola’s openness to Nigerian financial institutions.

‎According to the minister, the joint commission also addressed collaborative opportunities in the creative sector.

‎“We also presented and signed an agreement on creative economy, arts and culture to promote cultural exchange programmes in film and music co-production, festivals, touring agreements, etc.

‎“We proposed a more vibrant marine tourism, and an international boat cruise between Nigerian and Angolan coasts, especially during Detty December.

‎ “We brought to the table 28 Memoranda of Understanding, which various sub-committees carefully deliberated and will continue to further deliberate upon.

‎“The long hours spent by our officials underscore the seriousness and importance that the two delegations attached to the subjects under consideration. I thank both sides for their sacrifices in this regard.

‎”In negotiations, no side gets completely what it wants or desires. Therefore, what we have in the document before us is a measure of the shared responsibilities our two countries owe each other as we move our relationship to the next level.”

‎She further assured Angola of Nigeria’s commitment.

‎The statement added that both countries agreed that additional Memoranda of Understanding already refined would be signed at a later date.