Nigeria, Angola sign Visa waiver agreement for diplomatic, official passport holders

By Sandra Chukwugekwu

Nigeria and Angola have signed a bilateral agreement waiving visa requirements for holders of Diplomatic and Official passports, in a move aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties and easing official engagements between both countries.

The agreement was signed on Sunday on the sidelines of the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, signed the agreement on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while Angola’s Minister of External Relations, Tete António, signed for the Republic of Angola.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visa waiver is expected to remove administrative bottlenecks for government officials and diplomats traveling between both nations.

“The visa waiver agreement between both countries is expected to ease official engagements by removing administrative barriers for holders of Diplomatic and Official/Service Passports,” the statement read.

The development is seen as part of ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral relations and enhance cooperation in key areas of mutual interest.

Diplomatic observers say the agreement reflects growing collaboration between African nations in line with the continent’s integration goals.

“This development aligns with broader continental efforts to promote mobility, strengthen institutional collaboration, and support Africa’s integration agenda,” the Ministry added.

The signing took place during the African Union summit, where leaders and foreign ministers gathered to deliberate on regional security, economic integration and continental development priorities.

Analysts note that such visa waiver arrangements among African states are crucial to advancing the African Union’s long-term vision of seamless movement across the continent.