Manny Ita –
The governments of Nigeria and Angola have signed a bilateral agreement granting visa-free entry to holders of diplomatic and official passports from both countries, in a move aimed at deepening diplomatic cooperation and strengthening bilateral relations.
The agreement was concluded on the sidelines of the African Union summit, where leaders and senior officials gathered to discuss continental security, trade, and integration. Officials said the deal would facilitate easier travel for government representatives, diplomats, and other authorized public officials engaged in official duties between the two nations.
According to a joint statement, the waiver allows eligible passport holders to enter, transit through, and exit either country without the need to obtain a visa in advance, subject to existing immigration regulations. Authorities described the development as a practical step toward improving government-to-government engagement and accelerating cooperation in areas such as energy, security, and trade.
Diplomatic sources noted that both countries share strategic interests as major oil-producing nations in Africa and have increasingly sought closer collaboration within regional and continental frameworks. “This agreement reflects the strong bonds of friendship and mutual respect between our two countries,” an official familiar with the negotiations said, adding that it would “remove bureaucratic obstacles to official travel and enhance the efficiency of bilateral engagements.”
The visa exemption applies strictly to holders of diplomatic and official passports and does not extend to ordinary passport holders, who must still comply with standard visa requirements. Authorities emphasized that the arrangement is reciprocal and will take effect following the completion of internal ratification procedures in both countries.
Analysts say such agreements are common tools of diplomacy and often precede broader cooperation frameworks, including trade facilitation measures and security partnerships. Officials from both sides expressed optimism that the deal would pave the way for expanded collaboration and more frequent high-level exchanges between Abuja and Luanda.
