Gov Diri seeks enhanced collaboration between Nigeria, Angola

The governor noted that Bayelsa and Namibe share several similarities, including their coastal geography and natural endowments, which make cooperation in areas such as tourism, investment, and the blue economy mutually beneficial.

“My visit to Namibe informed our decision to foster stronger intra-African relationships and trade. The more states and provinces relate, the stronger the ties between our countries,” he said.

Gov. Diri recalled that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had already been signed between Bayelsa State and Namibe Province, but emphasized that implementation often remains a challenge.

“Many MoUs have been signed between Nigeria and Angola over the years, but implementation has always been the problem. Your visit today is important because it will help fast-track the implementation of existing agreements,” he said.

The governor expressed optimism that the current engagement would catalyze reviving dormant agreements and strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries.

He also invited the Angolan delegation to visit Bayelsa State in the near future, promising a warm traditional reception in Bayelsa.

Speaking earlier, Da Fonseca reaffirmed his country's commitment to strengthening economic, trade, and tourism cooperation with Nigeria, particularly at the sub-national level, as part of efforts to deepen long-standing bilateral relations between the two countries.

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He hailed Nigeria for its support for his country's independence, adding that the country played a historic role in supporting Angola’s struggle for independence, a legacy that continues to shape the cordial relations between both countries.

“We want to recall that during our struggle for independence, Nigeria was one of the African countries that gave great support to Angola. It is because of this historic relationship that we are here today representing the President of Angola, His Excellency João Lourenço,” he said.

He explained that President Lourenço, who is also the outgoing Chairperson of the African Union, could not attend the meeting in person due to his engagement in the AU leadership handover activities.

The Angolan minister noted that the visit was also aimed at advancing the sister-city agreement between Bayelsa State and Namibe Province, one of Angola’s leading tourism destinations.

“Bayelsa State and Namibe Province have a sister-city agreement, and we want to work together to ensure its full implementation. We are looking at business relationships, trade and investment flowing both ways—from Bayelsa to Namibe, and from Namibe and other parts of Angola to Bayelsa,” Da Fonseca said.

He thanked Governor Diri for receiving the delegation and for sustaining efforts to strengthen ties between Angola and Nigeria at the state and provincial levels.