Nasarawa State has strengthened its international relations with Angola through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing cooperation in agriculture and education. The agreement was formalized on March 12, 2024, in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, during a ceremony attended by both Governor Abdullahi Sule and Dr Maria Antónia Nelumba, the Governor of Bengo Province. This partnership is designed to leverage the strengths of both regions to promote socio-economic development.
The MoU signifies a commitment to collaboration, following discussions among technical teams from each region. They identified key similarities, particularly the proximity of both states to their respective national capitals—Abuja for Nasarawa and Luanda for Bengo. Governor Sule emphasized the importance of this geographical connection, stating, “We identified common challenges and opportunities arising from our proximity to the capital cities.”
The agreement will focus on several priority sectors, including agriculture, mining, oil and gas, education, and health. Governor Sule noted that while Bengo Province has shown significant agricultural capabilities, Nasarawa State possesses complementary strengths that will facilitate knowledge exchange, joint investments, and capacity building initiatives. The governor specifically highlighted the establishment of a One-Stop Investment Hub for Angolan investors, aimed at simplifying the process of entering the Nasarawa market and coordinating various projects.
Dr Maria Antónia Nelumba characterized the MoU as a historic milestone, affirming that it reflects a growing sense of solidarity between Nigeria and Angola. “The signing of this agreement goes beyond formal cooperation. It symbolizes fraternity between our peoples and our shared determination to advance economic, environmental, and social development,” she stated during the signing ceremony.
In addition to the MoU, both governors inaugurated the One-Stop Shop Investment House at the Nasarawa State Investment Development Agency (NASIDA) headquarters, as well as a Multi-Door Court in Lafia. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to enhance investment opportunities and facilitate collaboration between the two regions.
As both Nasarawa State and Bengo Province embark on this partnership, the focus will remain on structured collaboration and shared development goals, fostering growth and prosperity for their communities.
