Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia – June 29, 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, at exactly 5:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, kicking off a significant two-nation diplomatic tour of the Caribbean and South America aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s international partnerships.
The President was warmly received at Hewanorra International Airport with full military honours by Saint Lucia’s Governor-General, His Excellency Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles, and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre. His arrival signals a new phase in Nigeria’s foreign policy efforts, particularly in deepening ties with nations of the African diaspora.
As part of the state visit, President Tinubu is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on both the Governor-General and the Prime Minister on Sunday. On Monday, he will address a special joint session of the Saint Lucian Senate and House of Assembly at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet.
High-level dignitaries, including the Heads of Government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), senior officials, members of the diplomatic corps, the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia, and OECS Director-General Dr. Didacus Jules, are expected to attend.
Following his parliamentary address, President Tinubu will host a working luncheon with OECS leaders, focusing on enhanced economic cooperation and cultural solidarity between Nigeria and Caribbean nations. He will also visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries to promote academic exchange and educational collaboration.
This visit underscores Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Caribbean states, aligning with the African Union’s Sixth Region agenda, which recognizes the African diaspora as a strategic partner in continental development.
After wrapping up his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will proceed to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the 17th BRICS Summit, scheduled for July 6–7, 2025. The summit will spotlight themes such as “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” with Nigeria participating as a partner country, a step higher than observer status.
President Tinubu’s two-nation tour is expected to foster diplomatic goodwill, expand Nigeria’s global influence, and promote mutually beneficial trade, education, and cultural partnerships.
