Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to collaborating with Angola to implement the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Bayelsa and Angola’s Namibe Province.
Speaking during a courtesy visit from an Angolan delegation led by Executive Minister of State and Head of the Civil House of the Angolan President, Dionisio Manuel Da Fonseca, in Abuja on Wednesday, Governor Diri highlighted areas of potential cooperation. These include fisheries, aquaculture, the marine economy, agriculture, tourism, seaport-linked opportunities, and potentially oil and gas.
The governor emphasized the importance of translating signed agreements into tangible outcomes, noting that previous Nigeria-Angola accords often lacked follow-through. He expressed anticipation for a reciprocal visit from the Governor of Namibe, which was earlier postponed due to scheduling conflicts and personal loss.
“This visit will accelerate the implementation of the MoU signed between our states and revive earlier bilateral commitments between Nigeria and Angola,” Diri said.
Recalling his attendance at Angola’s 50th independence anniversary in Abuja, the governor noted the similarities between Bayelsa and Namibe as coastal regions with comparable natural resources. Strengthened state-to-province ties, he said, would enhance Nigeria-Angola relations and stimulate intra-African trade. He also extended an invitation to the Angolan delegation to visit Yenagoa, promising that such engagements would catalyze concrete actions on the MoU.
On his part, Da Fonseca highlighted Nigeria’s historic support for Angola’s independence as a foundation for the ongoing partnership. He explained that the Angolan President, who also serves as Chair of the African Union, was unable to make the trip due to continental responsibilities but remained committed to the collaboration.
“Bayelsa State and Namibe Province already have an agreement, and Angola is determined to work closely with Bayelsa to implement it, particularly in tourism, trade, business, and investment,” Da Fonseca stated.
Describing Namibe as one of Angola’s top tourism destinations and possibly among Africa’s finest, the envoy said the partnership would encourage a two-way flow of investments, strengthening economic and cultural ties between the two regions.