President Tinubu Kicks Off Caribbean Tour in Saint Lucia
President Bola Tinubu arrived in Saint Lucia on Saturday evening, marking the start of a significant two-nation diplomatic tour that will also take him to South America. The presidential jet touched down at Hewanorra International Airport in Vieux Fort at approximately 5:30 p.m. local time.
Upon his arrival, President Tinubu was accorded full military honours, a testament to the diplomatic significance of his visit. He was warmly received by the Governor-General of Saint Lucia, His Excellency Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles, and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
The state visit is set to officially commence on Sunday with President Tinubu paying courtesy calls on both the Governor-General and Prime Minister Pierre. A key highlight of his Saint Lucian itinerary will be on Monday when he addresses a special joint session of the Senate and the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia. This address will take place at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet, and is expected to draw a wide array of dignitaries, including Heads of Government from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), senior Saint Lucian officials, the diplomatic corps, the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia, and the Director-General of the OECS, Dr. Didacus Jules.
Following the joint parliamentary session, President Tinubu is scheduled to hold a high-level working luncheon with the Heads of Government of the OECS. Discussions are anticipated to focus on bolstering cooperation between Nigeria and the OECS, with an emphasis on forging stronger economic partnerships and enhancing cultural solidarity for shared prosperity across both regions.
Further cementing educational ties, President Tinubu will visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries, aiming to foster academic exchange programs.
The Presidency underscores that this visit reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with Caribbean nations, aligning with the African Union’s “Sixth Region” framework, which recognizes the African diaspora as a crucial partner in the continent’s ongoing development.
After his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will proceed to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to participate in the 17th BRICS Summit from July 6 to 7, 2025. His attendance comes at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, acknowledging Nigeria’s elevated status as a ‘partner country’ within the BRICS bloc, a category above previous guest country invitations. The summit will prioritize “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” with a focus on Global South Cooperation and BRICS Partnerships for Social, Economic, and Environmental Development.
