Nigeria, Angola Partner on Drug Control and Cultural Ties

Nigeria and Angola have signed two landmark agreements to strengthen cooperation on combating illicit drug production and trafficking and to boost cultural exchange.

The accords were reached in Luanda during the 5th Session of the Nigeria–Angola Bilateral Economic Joint Commission, marking the revival of the forum after 24 years.

Leading the Nigerian delegation, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, recalled the historic bonds between both countries since Angola’s independence in 1975 and said the new pacts would deepen political, economic, and cultural ties.

 

She commended the commitment of both delegations, which reviewed 28 draft Memoranda of Understanding spanning trade, investment, energy, agriculture, and transport.

The meeting also produced two “twinning” agreements—between Bayelsa State and Angola’s Namibe Province, and between Nasarawa State and Bengo Province—designed to drive socio-economic development and job creation.

 

Negotiations further covered a wide agenda, including double-taxation agreements, mechanized agriculture projects for export crops, technical manpower exchange through the Nigeria Technical Aid Programme, and a proposed Naira/Kwanza trade-settlement corridor.

Creative-economy initiatives also featured prominently, with discussions on film and music co-production, cultural festivals, and marine tourism, including a proposed Nigeria–Angola boat cruise during “Detty December.”

Both countries pledged strong political will to implement the agreements in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, underscoring their commitment to building a stronger bilateral partnership.