Nigeria and Angola have reached a new stage in strengthening their diplomatic relationships by signing a bilateral agreement abolishing visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports and officials.

The agreement, accompanied by a memorandum of understanding, was initialled on Sunday, February 15, 2026 on the sidelines of the 39th session of the Summit of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The Nigerian Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, signed on behalf of Abuja, while his Angolan counterpart, Téte António, signed for Luanda.

Speaking after the ceremony, Tuggar described the deal. of “long overdue” and strategic for the deepening of relationships bilateral. “This agreement was long overdue. He is very important. It will allow Angolan and Nigerian government representatives to move freely, without hindrance or restriction. It forms the foundation even of the strengthening of relations between Nigeria and Angola,” he declared.

According to him, the facilitation of official travel could create a ripple effect on economic exchanges. “When government officials move freely, they create opportunities for the private sector and other actors to benefit from the same freedom. We hope and pray that, in the near future, Nigerians and Angolans can move freely between their countries,” he added.

The signing in Addis Ababa is also significant. symbolic. The head of Nigerian diplomacy recalled that the former head State leader Murtala Muhammed delivered a historic speech there affirming the Nigeria's political support for Angola during its struggle against power colonial.

For his part, Téte António praised Nigeria's role in African anti-colonial struggles, stressing its constant support for states known as the “front line” and his diplomatic commitment to liberation of Angola. “This heritage of solidarity laid the foundations of the solid bilateral relationship that we enjoy today,” he said.

The visa exemption applies exclusively to holders of diplomatic and official passports from both countries. Les authorities believe that this measure will facilitate high-level exchanges, will strengthen intergovernmental cooperation and pave the way for agreements wider in economic, commercial and strategic areas.