Angola has acknowledged Nigeria’s historic contribution to its independence struggle, describing the relationship between both countries as a longstanding partnership built on solidarity and shared interests.
The country’s Head of Mission to Nigeria, Benin, Niger and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Dr José Zau, made the remarks during a ceremony marking Angola’s 51st independence anniversary in Abuja on Wednesday night.
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Zau said Nigeria played an important role in supporting Angola’s independence process in 1975 and subsequent efforts to strengthen the country’s state institutions.
He described relations between the two African nations as strategic, historic and fraternal, noting that their positions as major oil-producing countries had also contributed to their political and economic alignment.
According to him, both governments have continued to strengthen bilateral cooperation through the Bilateral Joint Commission, which has facilitated the review and expansion of several agreements and memoranda of understanding.
The agreements cover key areas, including trade, transportation, culture, professional training, defence, public security, cybersecurity and academic exchange.
Zau also highlighted the visa-exemption arrangement for holders of diplomatic and official passports as part of efforts to ease official engagements between the countries.
He disclosed that partnerships had also been established between provinces in Angola and states in Nigeria, with Namibe and Bengo provinces paired with Bayelsa and Nasarawa states, respectively.
The envoy attributed further progress in bilateral relations to engagements between Angolan President João Lourenço and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.
On Angola’s infrastructure development, Zau announced that the Caculo Cabaça hydroelectric dam was expected to become operational in June 2027, with a projected electricity generation capacity of at least 2,172 megawatts.
He said the project would increase Angola’s total power generation capacity from approximately 6,400MW to about 8,600MW when completed.
Zau also highlighted developments recorded by Angola in 2026, although he did not provide further details in the report.
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The News Agency of Nigeria reported the development.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
