Holders of diplomatic and official passports from member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) might soon enjoy visa-free access to Nigeria.
The OECS is made up of seven countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
This proposed visa waiver comes on the back of a plan introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
As part of his proposal, President Tinubu also put forward the idea of setting up a Joint Commission or Political Consultation Agreement with the OECS.
This would help both sides deepen collaboration in critical sectors while advancing long-standing Africa-Caribbean connections.
He revealed this on the 30th of June, 2025, during a speech delivered to a special joint session of the Saint Lucian Senate and House of Assembly.
The event was held at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande Resort.
While addressing the gathering, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s interest in forming stronger bonds with OECS nations in areas like trade, education, climate action, investment, culture, and healthcare.
“In consideration of the strategic importance that my country attaches to OECS, we have formally established diplomatic relations with Saint Lucia. This diplomatic move is a symbolic bridge that will provide a gateway to fostering ties between us,” Tinubu said.
He followed up with a suggestion for formal negotiations to create a long-term framework that would guide cooperation.
“To further deepen our partnership, I recommend that our two parties initiate negotiations towards a formal agreement on a joint commission or political consultation. Such a framework will provide a structural platform to explore and advance cooperation across a broader range of mutually beneficial areas.”
President Tinubu was warmly received by Saint Lucia’s parliament and key leaders from the OECS, including representatives and heads of government from several island states such as Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Martin, Montserrat, and Saint Vincent.
Reflecting on the Nigerian government’s direction since May 2023, Tinubu said his administration had rolled out significant reforms to reshape the country’s economy and global engagement.
“When I assumed the office of the President of Nigeria in May 2023, my administration embarked on a series of economic and social reforms… to put the country on the path of sustainable growth and development,” he noted.
The Saint Lucia visit, he said, reflects his push for deeper partnerships globally and a clear intention to work more closely with countries across the Eastern Caribbean.
He spotlighted trade and investment as top priorities for this potential collaboration.
“Nigeria’s vast natural resources and its position as the largest market in Africa present significant opportunities for the OECS, both as a source of essential input and as a growing export destination,” he stated.
“Together, we can leverage our respective strengths to attract investments, create jobs and foster joint ventures that benefit both our peoples,” the President added.
He also raised the idea of exchange programmes between OECS maritime institutions and Nigerian universities, encouraging stronger educational ties.
“Such partnerships will build technical capacity, but also foster mutual understanding and long-term academic collaboration,” he said.
Beyond schooling, Tinubu urged both sides to pursue joint scientific research in health and climate. He pointed to areas like food security, hurricane preparedness, and climate adaptation as areas where both regions could work together.
“We can deepen our understanding and enhance collective resilience,” he said.
He also pushed for more cultural contact through tourism, student mobility, and heritage projects.
“It is essential that we invest in cultural and human exchanges that build mutual understanding from the ground up among our peoples,” he said.
He then made a formal statement regarding entry policies.
“In a concrete step towards this goal, Nigeria is open to exploring a visa waiver arrangement for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS member states traveling to Nigeria. I respectfully urge a reciprocal gesture to enable smoother movement of officials and foster closer institutional cooperation”, he announced.
As part of broader support, Tinubu said Nigeria would extend its Technical Aide Corps to OECS countries to help develop expertise across various sectors.
“We will provide skilled professionals to support capacity building efforts across all sectors in your region,” he said.
He also made a personal commitment to support OECS students.
“I will establish full scholarship tuition for students of OECS.”
President Tinubu wrapped up his address by quoting Marcus Garvey and an African proverb, offering a message of unity and shared purpose.
“Let us journey together, united in purpose and fortified by our common heritage. Africa belongs to all of us. We need to continue to promote that,” he urged.
During a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre of Saint Lucia, both leaders pledged to formalise diplomatic relations between their countries. The meeting was part of the second day of Tinubu’s state visit to the island.
Prime Minister Pierre praised the discussions as timely and promising.
“There is an air of enthusiasm and optimism about the future of relations between our countries,” he said.
President Tinubu, in turn, thanked the Saint Lucian government for their warm hospitality, describing the citizens as “valued friends and brothers.” He highlighted the deep cultural and historical bonds that link Nigeria and the Caribbean.
“Our two nations are bound by history, culture, and common aspirations. We are determined to nurture and expand this relationship,” the Nigerian leader said.
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He also noted that current efforts would help both countries improve consular services and boost engagement in trade, tourism, education, and cultural exchange.
“This is a bridge between Africa and the Caribbean, a pathway to deepen economic ties and foster mutual understanding. It reflects our desire to advance prosperity, solidarity, and sustainable development,” Tinubu said.
Prime Minister Pierre acknowledged the role of culture in diplomacy and said Saint Lucia’s Jazz and Arts Festival could open up further creative collaboration.
“There is much that we can share with Nigeria as it seeks to establish itself as a centre for global entertainment, particularly in the film and music industries. Moreover, there is incredible potential for people-to-people exchange,” Pierre noted.
He also welcomed Tinubu’s visit to Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, linking it to his government’s push for wider access to higher education.
“Nigeria’s accomplishments in higher education are historical and well known. Our distinguished Nobel Laureate, after whom the College was named, postulated that the key to development lay in education,” the Prime Minister said.
He also commented on the broader global context.
“Your visit comes at a time of heightened global insecurity and fundamental shifts in the exercise of power by the major powers in the Global North.
There is growing uncertainty about the basis and motivation underlying international relationships,” he said.