Raphael Oni
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed readiness to implement the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Angola’s Namibe Province, focusing on trade, investment, and tourism.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by an Angolan delegation led by Executive Minister Dionisio Manuel Da Fonseca, Diri highlighted areas of cooperation, including fisheries, aquaculture, agriculture, tourism, and seaport-linked opportunities, with oil and gas also on the agenda.
Diri emphasized the significance of the visit, citing Nigeria and Angola’s history of unimplemented agreements, and invited the Angolan delegation to visit Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, to fast-track the MoU’s implementation.
Da Fonseca said Angola’s visit was rooted in Nigeria’s support for Angola’s independence and expressed determination to implement the agreement, particularly in tourism, business, trade, and investment.
The partnership aims to deepen Nigeria-Angola relations and boost intra-African trade, with both regions sharing similarities as coastal areas with rich natural resources.
Bayelsa and Angola partnership focuses on areas like fisheries, aquaculture, agriculture, tourism, and seaport-linked opportunities, with oil and gas also on the agenda. Diri emphasized the need to follow up on agreements, citing Nigeria and Angola’s history of signing deals without implementation. The Angolan envoy highlighted Namibe’s tourism potential and sought investment opportunities.
This development follows an earlier agreement between Bayelsa and Namibe, aimed at promoting economic cooperation between African states and reducing dependence on Western countries.
