Nigeria and the Caribbean nation of Saint Lucia are on the verge of establishing formal diplomatic relations, following high-level bilateral talks between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre in Castries on Sunday. The engagement, which took place at the official residence of the Saint Lucian Prime Minister, marked a pivotal moment in President Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to the Caribbean nation.
During the historic meeting, both leaders expressed a shared commitment to deepening the relationship between their countries, building on long-standing cultural and historical ties. According to a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the people of Saint Lucia as “valued friends and brothers,” while expressing deep appreciation for the warmth and hospitality shown to his delegation since their arrival.
President Tinubu noted that the common heritage between Africa and the Caribbean serves as a solid foundation for mutual cooperation. He emphasized that the time is ripe to formalize diplomatic relations, which would unlock avenues for enhanced trade, tourism, education, investment, cultural exchange, and improved consular services for citizens of both nations.
He stated that the proposed diplomatic bridge would not only connect the two regions but also foster sustainable development, solidarity, and a shared platform to address global challenges such as climate change, disaster preparedness, and development financing. President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s willingness to support the aspirations of Small Island Developing States, such as Saint Lucia, particularly in advancing their priorities in international policy discussions.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Pierre welcomed the renewed engagement and expressed optimism about the future of Saint Lucia-Nigeria relations. He referenced the positive outcomes of recent interactions between the two countries’ foreign affairs ministers and pointed out the significance of rekindling historical bonds.
Recalling Saint Lucia’s past contributions to Nigeria’s development, Pierre paid tribute to Sir Darnley Alexander, a Saint Lucian jurist who served as Nigeria’s fourth Chief Justice from 1975 to 1979, underscoring the deep-rooted ties that predate this formal initiative.
Pierre identified key sectors ripe for bilateral cooperation, including agriculture, education, health, culture, tourism, and infrastructure. He underscored the strong cultural connection between the two nations, describing it as “embedded in our DNA,” and emphasized the potential for robust people-to-people exchanges.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the global reputation of the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival, calling it a valuable cultural asset that can be shared with Nigeria, especially as Africa’s most populous nation positions itself as a major hub in the global entertainment space, particularly in film and music.
He further praised Nigeria’s notable achievements in education, expressing hope for closer academic partnerships. Pierre noted that his administration’s vision includes achieving at least one university graduate per household, and views Nigeria’s educational legacy as a key partner in helping realize that ambition.
As diplomatic talks progress, the outcome of this renewed engagement is expected to mark a turning point in Africa-Caribbean relations, symbolizing a forward-looking partnership rooted in shared history, cultural pride, and mutual respect.
