Angola Honours Murtala Muhammed, Highlights Nigeria’s Role in Nation’s Independence

Angola Honours Murtala Muhammed: Nigeria’s Role in Angola’s Independence

The government and people of Angola recently paid tribute to Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, for his decisive role in supporting Angola’s independence from Portuguese colonial rule.

The honour was conferred posthumously during Angola’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations in Luanda, underscoring the enduring impact of Nigeria’s solidarity with Angola during its liberation struggle in the mid-1970s.

General Murtala Muhammed’s leadership was pivotal at a time when Angola faced immense external pressures and Cold War tensions. In 1975, Nigeria became one of the first nations to recognize the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) government, defying skepticism from Western powers.

This recognition was not merely symbolic; Nigeria provided a critical financial lifeline of $17 million to the newly independent nation, enabling Angola to resist external interference and begin rebuilding its economy.

The ceremony also honoured two other Nigerians, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Minister of External Affairs, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, for their contributions to Angola’s liberation and African solidarity. Together, their recognition highlighted Nigeria’s broader role as a beacon of leadership in Africa during a period of geopolitical uncertainty.

Speakers at the event emphasized Murtala Muhammed’s boldness and principled stance. Tangyalamba Veloso, President of the Angola–Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry, recalled how Murtala confronted international oil companies that threatened to withdraw investments from Angola. He warned them that if they abandoned Angola, they would also lose Nigeria, effectively leveraging Nigeria’s economic weight to safeguard Angola’s sovereignty. This decisive intervention helped secure Angola’s independence and demonstrated Nigeria’s willingness to defend African nations against external exploitation.

Murtala Muhammed’s recognition of Angola’s government and Nigeria’s financial support marked a turning point in Angola’s history. It affirmed Nigeria’s role as the moral voice of Africa, willing to defy global powers to uphold the principle of self-determination. The honour bestowed upon him decades later reflects not only Angola’s gratitude but also the enduring legacy of Nigeria’s foreign policy under his leadership.

In essence, the commemoration of Murtala Muhammed in Angola is more than a tribute to one man; it is a celebration of Nigeria’s historic role in shaping African independence movements. It reminds both nations of the deep ties forged in struggle and the importance of solidarity in confronting global challenges.