Nigeria, Angola To Sign MOUs On Cooperation In Technical Manpower, Migration Partnership, Security

Nigeria and Angola are expected to sign at least 15 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) during the ongoing 5th session of the Nigeria-Angola Bilateral Economic Joint Commission (BEJC) in Luanda.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, stated that the signed MOUs will elevate the existing bilateral relations between the two countries, playing a crucial role in enhancing mutual interests, strengthening domestic institutions, promoting economic and social growth, and building capacity for both nations.

She outlined the areas covered by the MOUs, which include: the establishment of a Nigeria-Angola Business Council; economic and technical cooperation; cooperation in combating illicit production, manufacturing, and trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and their precursors.

Other include a migration partnership; a visa waiver for diplomatic and official passport holders; cooperation on the transfer of sentenced persons and correctional administration and reforms; technical manpower assistance; cooperation in tertiary/higher education; the fight against corruption; youth development; policing and security; cultural cooperation and exchanges; mutual legal assistance in criminal matters; defense and intelligence cooperation.

Others also on public communication, media, and information exchanges; cooperation in mining and mineral processing; cooperation on land transportation; and cooperation in health and medical sciences.

The minister expressed regret that previous attempts to hold another session since the 4th session in Abuja in October 2001 were unsuccessful.

However, she expressed delight that the event became possible after more than two decades.

Speaking on Tuesday in Luanda, Angola, at the opening of the session, the Minister said: “Our gathering here today is the result of recent efforts by both countries, beginning in February of this year, after decades of unsuccessful attempts, including the failed attempt by technical officials in 2013.

” The continued efforts to revive this Joint Commission demonstrate both countries’ commitment to strengthening the fraternal relations between Nigeria and Angola, whose foundation was laid when Nigeria’s Diplomatic Mission was established in Luanda in 1975.

“Before that, Nigeria contributed significantly to the liberation of Angola from Portugal and the recognition of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) as the legitimate representative of the Angolan people.”

Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that the reactivation of the Joint Commission reflects the continued efforts by both countries to realize the aspirations of their diplomatic relations for the mutual benefit of their citizens.

She stated: “This reactivation, which has resulted in the 5th Session of the Joint Commission, provides an opportunity to revive dormant bilateral agreements between the two countries.

“I am particularly pleased that the collective efforts by both sides have yielded results in the drafting and rigorous vetting of 19 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), along with two Twinning Agreements between the Government of Bayelsa State (Nigeria) and the Province of Namibe (Angola), and the Twinning Agreement between the Government of Nasarawa State (Nigeria) and the Province of Bengo (Angola), covering critical areas of cooperation for final consideration during this Joint Commission meeting.”

The minister disclosed that she and her delegation looked forward to presenting several other vital issues for consideration, including cooperation and partnerships in human and natural resource development, such as technical manpower assistance to achieve human capital development; discussions on the commencement of Nigerian airline carriers’ flights to Angola and other Bilateral Air Services matters; exploring opportunities in the richly endowed oil and gas sectors of both countries, as well as mineral resources.

She further stated that the draft cooperation and collaboration for the Elimination of Double Taxation regarding taxes on income and the Prevention of Tax Avoidance and Evasion from the Ministry of Finance and Economy, as well as discussions on the progress made between the Central Bank of Nigeria and the National Bank of Angola in finalizing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the proposed commencement of operations by selected Nigerian banks in Angola, would also be considered.

The Nigerian side presented a draft of four broad Working Groups of the participating MDAs (Ministries, Departments, and Agencies) for consideration by the Joint Commission.

These include the Diplomatic, Consular, and Migration Group; the Defense and Security Group; the Economic Trade and Investment Group; and the Natural and Human Resources Development Group.

In his opening remarks, Angolan Secretary of State for International Cooperation, Domingos Vieira Lopes, welcomed the Nigerian delegation, expressing his country’s anticipation of fruitful outcomes.

He stated: “This meeting is an opportunity to strengthen the ties and diplomatic relationship between African people. I am convinced that this meeting will open new dynamics in our diplomatic relationship.

“The relationship between the two countries began in 1975 when Nigeria was the first country to recognize Angola as an independent State. And the relationship has continued to grow. The signing of new cooperation instruments will boost our bilateral relations, and the mutual benefit would be enormous.

“These agreements and cooperation will help development and growth in both countries to the benefit of our people.”