The Nigerian government has announced that Egypt has waived visa requirements for Nigerian diplomats as part of a comprehensive partnership agreement aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the agreement marks a significant step toward deepening ties between Nigeria and Egypt.
The statement, signed by Alkasim Abdulkadir, media aide to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, noted that this agreement elevates the relationship between the two nations to a “Comprehensive Partnership.”
Ambassador Tuggar is currently in Cairo, leading the Nigerian delegation in the third round of political consultations with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.
The discussions focused on fostering mutual respect for each country’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
According to Abdulkadir, the foreign ministers agreed on several areas of cooperation:
Regional Coordination: Both nations committed to intensifying collaboration on regional and international issues, aiming to bolster the African Union’s efforts in addressing continental challenges and promoting integration.
Security Cooperation: Recognizing shared threats of terrorism and extremism, Nigeria and Egypt pledged to enhance security collaboration by sharing counter-terrorism strategies and experiences.
Economic Engagement: The countries emphasized the potential for increased economic ties, particularly in agriculture, energy, telecommunications, and infrastructure. Plans to establish a Nigeria-Egypt Chamber of Commerce by the end of 2025 were also discussed, with its formal launch anticipated during the fourth round of ministerial-level consultations in Abuja in 2026.
People-to-People Connections: Both nations lauded the recent agreements on visa exemptions for diplomatic passport holders and the adjustment of visa fees for citizens, reflecting a mutual commitment to facilitating movement and fostering closer ties.
The ministers also expressed their commitment to advancing democracy, good governance, and the objectives of the African Union’s Agenda 2063. They pledged to support peacebuilding and sustainable development initiatives across Africa.
The next session of the Joint Committee at the ministerial level is scheduled for the last quarter of 2025, signaling continued efforts to deepen relations.
This landmark agreement is expected to pave the way for enhanced diplomatic and economic cooperation between Nigeria and Egypt, strengthening their roles in addressing shared challenges on the African continent.