Nigeria, Saint Lucia formalize diplomatic ties as Tinubu visits Caribbean nation

President Bola Tinubu and the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Philip J. Pierre, have officially established diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Caribbean island nation.

The agreement was reached during President Tinubu’s courtesy visit to the Prime Minister’s residence in Castries, Saint Lucia, marking the second day of his state visit to the country.

While addressing his host, President Tinubu described the people of Saint Lucia as cherished friends and brothers, noting the shared historical and cultural connections between Africa and the Caribbean. He stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation in key areas such as trade, investment, tourism, education, and cultural exchange.

“Our two nations are bound by history, culture, and common aspirations. We are determined to nurture and expand this relationship,” Tinubu said, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The President noted that the growing partnership would act as a bridge connecting Africa and the Caribbean, creating deeper economic ties and mutual understanding. He further assured Nigeria’s commitment to working with Saint Lucia on global matters such as climate change, disaster management, and sustainable development, while also pledging support for the concerns of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) at international platforms.

In his response, Prime Minister Pierre welcomed the initiative and expressed optimism about the future of the new partnership. He acknowledged the historical links between both nations, particularly remembering Saint Lucian-born Sir Darnley Alexander, who served as Nigeria’s Chief Justice from 1975 to 1979.

Pierre outlined key areas for collaboration, including tourism, healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure development. He also highlighted the cultural similarities between both nations, pointing to the global recognition of Saint Lucia’s creative industry through events like the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival.

“There is incredible potential for people-to-people exchange,” Pierre remarked, adding that Saint Lucia was eager to share its expertise in cultural festivals with Nigeria as the country’s entertainment industry continues to rise globally.

The Prime Minister also praised Nigeria’s achievements in education, revealing his government’s ambition to ensure every household in Saint Lucia produces at least one university graduate. He called for stronger South-South cooperation, citing growing uncertainty in global alliances.

President Tinubu later met with Saint Lucia’s Governor-General, Cyril Charles, at the Government House, where they discussed matters of Commonwealth cooperation, climate change, and other socioeconomic concerns. Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting smaller nations and promised to explore new opportunities for trade and economic cooperation, especially in agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.

The state visit is part of President Tinubu’s broader diplomatic tour aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ties with countries in the Caribbean and South America.