(DDM) – Nigeria and Angola have formalized a new diplomatic understanding that removes visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and official passports traveling between both countries.
DDM confirms that the agreement marks a fresh step in bilateral cooperation and signals a desire by both governments to deepen state-to-state engagement.
Officials from both countries signed the pact on the margins of the 39th session of the African Union in Addis Ababa.
Nigeria’s foreign affairs minister Yusuf Tuggar personally endorsed the document alongside Angola’s foreign minister Tete António.
Both diplomats used the occasion to emphasize cooperation, mobility, and African solidarity.
Tuggar explains that the arrangement took time to finalize because both sides needed to align procedures and diplomatic expectations.
He stresses that easier movement for officials will remove bureaucratic delays that often slow government engagements.
He adds that when state officials travel freely, they open doors for trade discussions, cultural ties, and institutional partnerships.
He argues that official mobility often sets the tone for broader people-to-people connections.
He expresses optimism that ordinary citizens may one day benefit from similar travel flexibility.
He frames Nigeria and Angola as partner nations with shared historical and continental interests.
He highlights that Addis Ababa carries symbolic value in African diplomacy.
He recalls that the late Nigerian leader Murtala Muhammed delivered a landmark Africa-focused speech in the same city decades ago.
He notes that the historic address influenced liberation politics and regional cooperation at the time.
He suggests that signing the visa waiver in the same city connects present diplomacy with Africa’s political heritage.
Analysts say visa waivers for diplomatic passports often serve as confidence-building measures.
They explain that such agreements rarely target tourism but instead streamline official dialogue.
They add that smoother official travel can accelerate negotiations on security, energy, and commerce.
Nigeria and Angola already cooperate within African multilateral frameworks on oil, peacekeeping, and regional stability.
Both countries rank among Africa’s major energy producers and frequently coordinate positions in continental forums.
Diplomatic observers believe the visa waiver could encourage more frequent bilateral visits.
They also note that Africa has seen a gradual rise in intra-African mobility agreements.
Supporters view the step as consistent with the African Union’s long-term integration goals.
Critics caution that broader visa liberalization requires strong border management systems.
Diaspora Digital Media notes that the new waiver currently applies only to diplomatic and official passport holders.
Government representatives from both sides voice confidence that relations will continue to strengthen.
They project that sustained dialogue will translate into practical cooperation.
The agreement ultimately reflects a shared intention to tighten diplomatic bonds within Africa.
