Nigeria, Angola Seal Pacts on Drug Fight, Culture, and Trade
NIGERIA and Angola have signed two landmark agreements to boost cooperation in the fight against illicit drugs and to deepen cultural ties, marking a new phase in bilateral relations between the two nations.
The accords were concluded in Luanda during the 5th Session of the Nigeria–Angola Bilateral Economic Joint Commission, which reconvened after a 24-year hiatus.
Leading the Nigerian delegation, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, hailed the agreements as a revival of historic ties dating back to Angola’s independence in 1975. She said the pacts would enhance collaboration not only in drug control and cultural exchange but also across trade, investment, energy, agriculture, and transport.
The session also delivered two “twinning” agreements—linking Bayelsa State with Namibe Province, and Nasarawa State with Bengo Province—to promote socio-economic development and job creation.
Negotiations covered a broad agenda, including double-taxation treaties, mechanized agriculture projects, manpower exchange under Nigeria’s Technical Aid Programme, and a proposed Naira/Kwanza trade settlement corridor.
Creative-economy initiatives featured prominently, with plans for joint film and music productions, cultural festivals, marine tourism, and even a Nigeria–Angola boat cruise during “Detty December.”
Both sides pledged firm political will to implement the new agreements, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reinforcing their shared vision of a stronger bilateral partnership.
