Castries, Saint Lucia — July 1, 2025 — In a historic step toward deepening engagement with the Caribbean, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has proposed visa waivers for holders of official and diplomatic passports from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), as Nigeria formally establishes diplomatic relations with Saint Lucia.
The announcement was made during a high-level bilateral meeting held in Castries, the capital of Saint Lucia, where the Nigerian delegation led by Vice President Kashim Shettima met with Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre. The discussions marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s strategic efforts to expand diplomatic and economic footprints across the Caribbean region.
President Tinubu, through a message delivered by Vice President Shettima, emphasized that the visa waiver proposal is aimed at fostering stronger ties in education, trade, cultural exchange, and mutual cooperation. He affirmed Nigeria’s readiness to open its doors to OECS countries, describing them as “brothers and sisters from across the Atlantic who share a deep historical and cultural connection with Africa.”
“Facilitating official travel is a key step in removing barriers to cooperation,” Shettima stated, adding that the proposed visa waivers reflect Nigeria’s broader vision of South-South cooperation and African-Caribbean solidarity.
The Saint Lucian government welcomed the proposal, with Prime Minister Pierre describing the development as “a timely move that will unlock new opportunities for collaboration.” He noted that both nations are committed to strengthening bilateral ties in sectors such as education, tourism, agriculture, and digital innovation.
As part of the diplomatic engagements, Nigeria also announced the commencement of a scholarship programme for OECS students to study in Nigerian universities beginning with the next academic session. A Nigeria–OECS Joint Implementation Committee has been set up to coordinate the scholarship programme and broader cooperation initiatives.
The establishment of formal diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Saint Lucia was marked by the signing of a bilateral agreement and cultural exchanges symbolizing the longstanding ancestral connections between both nations. Many Saint Lucians trace their heritage to West Africa, particularly Nigeria, as descendants of formerly enslaved Africans brought to the Caribbean through the transatlantic slave trade.
