Nigeria and Angola have eliminated visa requirements for diplomatic and official passport holders, formalizing an arrangement both governments say will facilitate closer institutional ties and streamline official travel.

The Eastern Updates reported that the accord was finalized Saturday during the African Union summit in Addis Ababa, where foreign ministers from the two nations signed the agreement on the margins of the gathering, according to a statement issued Sunday by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s foreign minister, led his country’s delegation to the signing. Angola was represented by Ambassador Tete Antonio, its minister of international relations.

Tuggar characterized the agreement as overdue and said it would enable government officials carrying diplomatic or service passports to move between the countries without visa formalities. “The initiative has been long overdue and represents a timely step in strengthening bilateral engagement,” he said.

The arrangement is designed to ease administrative procedures that have slowed official exchanges and hindered coordination on joint initiatives, according to the ministry statement. “The arrangement will facilitate smoother official exchanges, deepen institutional cooperation, and create broader opportunities for joint initiatives, dialogue and partnership,” Tuggar said.

During the ceremony, Nigeria’s foreign minister drew attention to historical connections between the two nations, referencing Nigeria’s support for Angola during its independence struggle in the 1970s. He recalled divisions among Angolan liberation movements at the time, including tensions between the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola and the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola.

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Tuggar cited a speech delivered by General Murtala Muhammed, Nigeria’s military head of state in the mid-1970s, titled “Africa Has Come of Age,” which he described as an assertion of African autonomy and a demonstration of Nigeria’s backing for Angola’s independence efforts. “The historic address represented a firm declaration of African independence in decision-making and demonstrated Nigeria’s solidarity with the people of Angola,” Tuggar said.

Antonio, Angola’s foreign minister, acknowledged Nigeria’s role during the anti-colonial period and said his country valued the diplomatic support provided during its liberation campaign. He said Nigeria had shown principled leadership by supporting West African nations, maintaining ties with frontline states, and offering diplomatic backing that contributed to Angola’s eventual independence.

“This legacy of solidarity laid the foundation for the robust bilateral relationship we enjoy today,” Antonio said.

He described the visa exemption as a forward-looking measure that would build on existing diplomatic foundations and expand opportunities for official engagement. “The newly signed agreement is a practical and forward-looking milestone that will consolidate our long-standing ties and expand opportunities for official engagement,” he added.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the agreement reflects shared values and mutual trust, going beyond procedural convenience to reaffirm the broader relationship between the two countries.

Officials said the exemption is expected to reduce administrative obstacles to official travel, strengthen policy coordination, and improve collaboration between government institutions in both nations.

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Nigeria and Angola are among Africa’s largest oil producers and have maintained diplomatic relations since Angola gained independence in 1975. Both countries participate in regional organizations including the African Union and the Economic Community of Central African States, though Nigeria is not a member of the latter.

The visa waiver applies exclusively to holders of diplomatic and official or service passports. Ordinary passport holders will continue to require visas for travel between the two countries.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not specify when the agreement would enter into force or outline implementation procedures.

Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the ministry, signed the statement announcing the agreement.

The signing took place during the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, an annual gathering of heads of state and government held in Ethiopia’s capital. The summit addresses continental policy matters and organizational governance.

Nigeria has pursued similar visa exemption agreements with other African nations in recent years as part of efforts to facilitate regional integration and official mobility. Angola has likewise entered into visa waiver arrangements with multiple countries across the continent.

Neither government disclosed whether further bilateral agreements were under consideration or outlined specific areas where enhanced cooperation is anticipated.