Nigeria, Saint Lucia Forge New Diplomatic Ties, Eye Visa Waivers
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has announced the formal establishment of diplomatic relations with Saint Lucia, marking a significant step towards closer ties between the West African nation and the Eastern Caribbean. Speaking to a special joint session of Saint Lucia’s parliament, President Tinubu described the move as a “symbolic bridge” and proposed visa waivers for official passport holders from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), urging reciprocal gestures.
During his address, delivered in the presence of leaders from across the OECS, President Tinubu emphasized the deep historical and cultural bonds shared between Nigeria and the Caribbean. To further strengthen these connections, he offered full scholarships to OECS students and advocated for a Joint Commission or Political Consultation Agreement to foster structured cooperation.
Beyond cultural and diplomatic overtures, President Tinubu highlighted opportunities for economic collaboration, inviting OECS nations to leverage Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest market. He called for enhanced trade and investment partnerships, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, and services, positioning Nigeria as both a supplier and destination for OECS exports.
The Nigerian leader also proposed collaborations in maritime education and extending Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps program to OECS countries, offering skilled professionals in various fields. He further stressed the importance of joint research on climate adaptation strategies, underscoring a shared commitment to addressing global challenges and reinforcing Nigeria’s Afrocentric foreign policy and its enduring role in global Black solidarity.
