Nigeria and Angola have revived their Bilateral Joint Economic Commission after 24 years, following a three-day meeting in Luanda. The two countries agreed to deepen cooperation through several new agreements, including the development of Sister-Cities partnerships.
A landmark twinning agreement was signed between Bayelsa State in Nigeria and Namibe Province in Angola, focusing on socio-economic and cultural development. Additionally, Nasarawa State and Angola’s Bengo Province agreed on enhanced economic cooperation.
Both Nigeria and Angola, two of Africa’s leading oil producers, share historic ties dating back to Angola’s independence in 1975. However, formal bilateral collaboration had stalled for over two decades.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, led the Nigerian delegation and signed the agreements alongside Angolan officials, including Ambassador Domingos Custodio Vieira Lopes.
The Bayelsa-Namibe agreement covers cooperation in economic growth, environmental development, urban management, agricultural training, citizenship relations, energy, education, culture, tourism, and sports.
Bayelsa Governor Senator Douye Diri described the agreement as historic and expressed optimism about its potential to unlock new economic opportunities for both regions. He highlighted shared natural resources as a strong foundation for collaboration.
Namibe’s Governor, Dr. Archer Mangueira, welcomed the agreement as a milestone, emphasizing the geographical and developmental similarities between the two provinces.
Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu praised the revival of the joint commission as a reaffirmation of the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and Angola.
She noted that the renewed partnership aligns with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Tinubu, aiming to promote economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.
The meeting resulted in 28 memoranda of understanding, reflecting the strong commitment from both sides to deepen their bilateral relations for mutual benefit.
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