Nigeria, Angola sign visa waiver for diplomats at AU summit

Nigeria, Angola sign visa waiver for diplomats at AU summit

Nigeria and Angola have signed a bilateral agreement waiving visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and official passports, marking what both governments described as a practical step towards deeper ties between the two countries.

The agreement and a memorandum of understanding were signed on Sunday, February 15, 2026, on the margins of the 39th Session of the African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

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Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s minister of foreign affairs, signed on behalf of Abuja, while Téte António, Angola’s minister of external relations, signed for Luanda.

Speaking after the ceremony, Tuggar described the deal as long overdue and important for strengthening cooperation.

“This is an agreement that is long in coming. It is very important. It will allow government officials between Angola and Nigeria to move freely without any hindrance or encumbrance. This is the very foundation of further strengthening the relationship between Nigeria and Angola,” he said.

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He added that easier movement for officials could unlock wider economic opportunities.

“When government officials move freely then they create opportunities for the private sector and others to be free. Our hope and prayer is that in a not too distant future, Nigerians and Angolans will be able to move freely between the countries,” Tuggar said.

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The signing took place in Addis Ababa, a city that carries historical meaning in Nigeria’s foreign policy. Tuggar recalled that Murtala Muhammed, former Nigerian head of state, delivered a landmark address in the Ethiopian capital outlining Nigeria’s political support for Angola during its struggle against colonial rule.

In his remarks, António expressed appreciation for what he called Nigeria’s principled leadership during Africa’s anti colonial struggles. He said Nigeria stood firmly with frontline states and provided diplomatic backing that contributed to Angola’s liberation.

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

The visa waiver applies to diplomatic and official passport holders from both countries. Officials say it is expected to ease high level engagements, strengthen government to government cooperation and create momentum for broader agreements in the future.

Both ministers signalled that the move could be the first step towards wider visa liberalisation, though no timeline has been announced.

Faith Omoboye is a foreign affairs correspondent with background in History and International relations. Her work focuses on African politics, diplomacy, and global governance.

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