After a 24-year hiatus, Nigeria and Angola have reactivated their Bilateral Joint Economic Commission, culminating in new accords designed to enhance socio-economic, cultural, and political collaboration between the two nations.
The fifth session of this joint commission convened over three days in Luanda, with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Angola’s Secretary of State for International Cooperation, Ambassador Domingos Custodio Vieira Lopes, steering the discussions.
A standout achievement was the establishment of a pioneering partnership between Bayelsa State and Angola’s Namibe Province. This alliance targets progress in economic growth, environmental sustainability, agricultural workforce development, energy, education, cultural exchange, tourism, and sports. Additionally, Nasarawa State entered into a similar agreement with Angola’s Bengo Province.
Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, hailed the agreement as a “historic milestone,” emphasizing its potential to unlock new avenues for development.
“This significant pact between our states and countries is especially momentous for Bayelsa, coinciding with Angola’s celebration of 50 years of independence,” Diri remarked.
“Earlier this year, during my visit to Namibe, I observed the abundant natural resources there, which mirror those in Bayelsa. Both regions are richly endowed, presenting numerous opportunities for mutually advantageous collaboration.”
He expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for integrating Bayelsa into this cooperative framework and extended thanks to the Angolan authorities for their warm reception.
Namibe’s Governor, Dr. Archer Mangueira, shared similar enthusiasm, describing the agreement as the start of a “transformative partnership.”
“This accord opens doors to leverage our shared geographical characteristics. On behalf of Namibe’s government and people, I warmly welcome this collaboration and our counterparts from Bayelsa,” Mangueira stated.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted the significance of reestablishing the joint commission, noting the historical ties between Nigeria and Angola that date back to Angola’s independence in 1975.
“The revival of this commission reaffirms the enduring friendship and cooperative spirit between Nigeria and Angola as key allies. It is imperative that we continue to work hand in hand to maximize the benefits of our bilateral relationship,” she said.
“Our recent discussions not only reviewed the current state of our partnership but also explored new collaborative opportunities aligned with our shared vision for a prosperous future. Together, we aim to foster sustainable economic development, generate employment, enhance people-to-people connections, and reduce poverty.”
The minister disclosed that both parties presented 28 memoranda of understanding for deliberation, emphasizing that the agreements reflect a balance of mutual commitments.
“In any negotiation, compromises are inevitable. The agreements before us embody the mutual obligations our countries embrace as we elevate our partnership,” she explained.
“On behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I pledge our political commitment to implementing these agreements, which align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. We anticipate Angola’s reciprocal dedication to nurturing this relationship for the benefit of both nations.”
