Nigeria and Angola Formalise Diplomatic Visa Waiver Deal
Nigeria and Angola have signed a bilateral visa waiver agreement that will exempt holders of diplomatic
and official/service passportsfrom visa requirements, a move aimed at strengthening diplomatic
relations and facilitating easier official travel between the two African nations.
The agreement was signed on Sunday, February 15, 2026, on the sidelines of the 39th Ordinary Session
of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The signing ceremony was led by Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign
Affairs, and Ambassador Téte António, Angola’s Minister of External Relations.
During the ceremony, Minister Tuggar described the agreement as long overdue and said it represents a
significant step in deepening bilateral engagement, particularly by easing administrative procedures that
previously slowed official interactions between government officials of both countries.
He said the arrangement is expected to facilitate smoother official exchanges, deepen institutional
cooperation, and create broader opportunities for joint initiatives.
Ambassador António expressed optimism that the visa waiver pact would serve as a foundation for even
wider cooperation in the future, including potentially extending similar benefits to other categories of
travellers.
He also highlighted the long and shared history between Angola and Nigeria, including Nigeria’s support
during Angola’s struggle for independence, as forming a strong basis for continued partnership.
Under the new agreement, holders of diplomatic and official/service passports from both nations will be
able to travel between Nigeria and Angola without needing to obtain visas in advance, thus reducing
bureaucratic hurdles and supporting more fluid bilateral government engagement.
Officials from both countries described the deal as a practical reaffirmation of shared values, mutual
trust, and a commitment to strengthen political and diplomatic ties, while also paving the way for
improved policy coordination and cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The signing of the agreement during the AU summit underscores the importance of diplomatic
cooperation among African states and reflects ongoing efforts to enhance regional partnerships across
the continent.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
