Tinubu departs Abuja for visit to Saint Lucia, Brazil for diplomatic engagements

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to depart Abuja on Saturday, June 28, 2025, for a two-nation visit to Saint Lucia and Brazil as part of Nigeria’s strategic efforts to deepen ties with Caribbean nations and strengthen South-South cooperation.

In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s first stop will be Saint Lucia, where he will undertake a state visit aimed at bolstering diplomatic and economic relations with Caribbean countries. During the visit, President Tinubu will pay courtesy visits to the Governor-General, Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles, and Prime Minister Philip Pierre.

A major highlight of the visit will see Tinubu address a special joint session of the Senate and House of Assembly of Saint Lucia at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet. Dignitaries expected include Heads of Government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), members of the diplomatic corps, senior officials, and the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia.

The Nigerian leader will also hold a high-level luncheon with OECS leaders to discuss economic partnerships, cultural solidarity, and development collaborations. Additionally, Tinubu will visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries to forge educational partnerships and promote academic exchange programmes.

According to the presidency, this visit reflects Nigeria’s resolve to reinforce diplomatic, economic, and diaspora relations with Caribbean states under the African Union’s Sixth Region framework, which acknowledges the African diaspora as a strategic partner in Africa’s growth and development.

After concluding engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will proceed to Brazil to attend the 17th BRICS Summit scheduled for July 6–7, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro, at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Nigeria, attending this year’s BRICS summit as a ‘partner country’—a rank higher than guest status—will join discussions on “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” The summit will prioritise partnerships for social, economic, and environmental development, while also exploring new frameworks for global South-South cooperation.

President Tinubu will be accompanied by senior government officials on both trips.