President Bola Tinubu on Monday announced the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, describing it as a “symbolic bridge” to deepen cooperation between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
Speaking during a special joint session of the Senate and House of Assembly of Saint Lucia at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet, President Tinubu proposed a visa waiver for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS countries, urging reciprocal gestures to enhance ease of travel and institutional cooperation.
“I respectfully urge a reciprocal gesture to enable smoother movement of officials and foster closer institutional cooperation,” Tinubu said.
The Nigerian leader called for the creation of a Joint Commission or Political Consultation Agreement to serve as a formal framework for structured collaboration, and offered full scholarships to OECS students as part of efforts to deepen cultural and educational exchange.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to Afrocentric diplomacy, Tinubu highlighted the shared historical experiences between Nigeria and the Caribbean, particularly shaped by the transatlantic slave trade, colonial subjugation, and a resilient Pan-African identity.
“As one who feels a profound kinship with our shared African heritage, I am fully aware of the historical currents that have bound us together… My presence here today symbolises Nigeria’s renewed commitment to re-engage with these enduring ties,” he said.
Present at the event were OECS leaders from Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Montserrat, Saint Martin, and Saint Vincent, among others.
On economic diplomacy, Tinubu offered OECS states access to Nigeria’s vast market, calling for enhanced trade, joint ventures, and deeper investment ties in agriculture, manufacturing, and services. He emphasised Nigeria’s readiness to serve both as a market and partner in development.
He also proposed collaborations in education, particularly maritime studies, scientific research, and healthcare, while extending the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (TAC) programme to OECS nations to support regional capacity-building.
“I strongly advocate for educational exchange programmes between Nigerian and OECS maritime universities… Beyond maritime education, both regions should explore joint scientific research initiatives,” Tinubu said.
Recognising the climate vulnerabilities of small island states, he called for joint efforts in climate adaptation, sustainable agriculture, disaster preparedness, and managing climate-induced migration.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s historic role in Pan-Africanism, noting the country’s pivotal role in establishing the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union) and its embrace of the Caribbean as part of Africa’s “sixth region”.
“Culturally, Nigeria is regarded as the continent’s creative heart… with its globally celebrated traditions in music, cuisine, fashion, Nollywood, and literature,” the President told an audience of over 300, including OECS Heads of Government, senior officials, diplomats, and Nigerian nationals in Saint Lucia.
Quoting Pan-Africanist Marcus Garvey and invoking an African proverb, Tinubu urged unity and collective progress.
“Get organised and you will compel the world to respect you,” he quoted Garvey. “And as the African proverb says: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ Let us journey together, united in purpose and fortified by our common heritage,” he concluded.
