President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday formally announced the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Saint Lucia , desc...
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday formally announced the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, describing it as a “symbolic bridge” that would foster deeper bilateral and regional ties.
Speaking during a joint session of the Senate and House of Assembly of Saint Lucia at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, President Tinubu declared:
“This occasion serves as a testament to the enduring ideals of Pan-Africanism and the unyielding desire for unity and collaboration among peoples of African descent.”
He proposed a Joint Commission or Political Consultation Agreement as a structured mechanism for collaboration between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
The Nigerian leader also offered full scholarships to OECS students, with the goal of enhancing cultural understanding and academic collaboration between Nigeria and the Caribbean.
“Such partnerships will build technical capacity and foster mutual understanding and long-term academic collaboration,” Tinubu said.
In his speech, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to visa waivers for OECS diplomatic and official passport holders, urging Saint Lucia and other regional nations to reciprocate the gesture.
“I respectfully urge a reciprocal gesture to enable smoother movement of officials and foster closer institutional cooperation,” he said.
President Tinubu emphasized the shared African heritage between Nigeria and the Caribbean, recalling the painful history of the transatlantic slave trade but also the resilience, creativity, and kinship that emerged from it.
“My presence here today symbolises Nigeria’s renewed commitment to re-engage with these enduring ties,” Tinubu said.
He called the OECS a “cherished partner” and pledged Nigeria’s readiness to deepen cooperation in trade, education, health, culture, and climate resilience.
Tinubu also made a strong case for economic diplomacy, urging OECS nations to tap into Africa’s largest market and explore trade partnerships in agriculture, services, and manufacturing.
“Nigeria’s vast natural resources and position as the largest market in Africa present significant opportunities,” he said.
“Together, we can attract investment, create jobs, and foster joint ventures that benefit both our peoples.”
To further strengthen academic ties, he proposed a collaboration between Nigerian and OECS maritime universities and said Nigeria would extend its Technical Aid Corps (TAC) programme to Saint Lucia and neighbouring states.
“We are ready to deploy skilled educators, healthcare professionals, and engineers to build regional capacity,” Tinubu said.
Addressing climate change, Tinubu acknowledged the existential threats faced by small island nations and urged joint scientific research into disaster preparedness, climate-induced migration, and sustainable agriculture.
“By sharing research findings on climate impacts, we can enhance our collective resilience,” he noted.
He reiterated Nigeria’s Afrocentric foreign policy, rooted in global Black solidarity and Pan-Africanism, stating:
“Nigeria, as the foremost Black nation globally, has long stood at the vanguard of advocacy for the dignity and advancement of Black people worldwide.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s role in founding the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union, Tinubu noted that the AU now officially recognises the Caribbean as its sixth region.
He also celebrated Nigeria’s cultural influence, from Nollywood and literature to music and fashion, and praised the contributions of the Nigerian diaspora.
“Culturally, Nigeria is regarded as the continent’s creative heart,” he said, addressing over 300 people, including OECS leaders, diplomats, and the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia.
Ending on a unifying note, President Tinubu quoted Pan-African legend Marcus Garvey and a well-known African proverb:
“Get organised and you will compel the world to respect you.”
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
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