Nigeria and Angola have signed two significant agreements to bolster joint efforts against illicit drugs and enhance cultural ties, reviving a bilateral forum dormant for over two decades and laying groundwork for broader economic collaboration.

The deals were formalized during the 5th Session of the Nigeria-Angola Bilateral Economic Joint Commission in Luanda, the first such meeting since 2001. Leading Nigeria's delegation, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted the historical solidarity between the nations since Angola's 1975 independence from Portugal, when Nigeria provided crucial support. "These pacts will deepen our political, economic, and cultural relations," she said, praising the commitment shown by both sides in reviewing 28 draft Memoranda of Understanding covering trade, investment, energy, agriculture, and transport.

In addition to the core agreements on drug control – focusing on curbing production and trafficking – and cultural exchange, the session produced "twinning" partnerships between Nigerian states and Angolan provinces: Bayelsa with Namibe, and Nasarawa with Bengo. These aim to foster socio-economic development and job creation through shared initiatives. Discussions also advanced on a double-taxation avoidance pact, mechanized agriculture for export crops, technical aid exchanges via Nigeria's Technical Aid Corps Programme, and a proposed Naira-Kwanza trade corridor to ease transactions.

Creative sectors featured prominently, with plans for film and music co-productions, cultural festivals, and marine tourism, including a potential Nigeria-Angola boat cruise during the festive "Detty December" season. Both governments reaffirmed their political will to implement the accords, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda for diversified partnerships.