President Bola Tinubu and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre of Saint Lucia have agreed to initiate formal diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Caribbean island nation.
This decision came during President Tinubu’s courtesy visit to Prime Minister Pierre at his official residence in Castries on the second day of his State Visit.
The leaders described the agreement as a step toward deeper cooperation rooted in shared history, mutual aspirations, and economic opportunities.
“Our two nations are bound by history, culture, and common aspirations. We are determined to nurture and expand this relationship,” Tinubu said during the meeting, according to a statement on Monday, June 30, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
President Tinubu praised the warmth and hospitality shown to his delegation, saying, “Saint Lucians are valued friends and brothers.”
He highlighted the cultural and historical ties between Africa and the Caribbean, noting that the new partnership would serve as “a bridge between Africa and the Caribbean, a pathway to deepen economic ties and foster mutual understanding.”
The Nigerian leader added that bilateral engagement would open doors for increased cooperation in “trade, investment, tourism, education, and cultural exchange,” and would also improve consular services for citizens of both nations.
President Tinubu further assured that Nigeria was willing to work closely with Saint Lucia on global challenges like climate change, development financing, and disaster response.
“It reflects our desire to advance prosperity, solidarity, and sustainable development,” he added.
Prime Minister Pierre, in his remarks, acknowledged that “there is an air of enthusiasm and optimism about the future of relations between our countries.”
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He recalled the historic contributions of Saint Lucians to Nigeria, notably that of Sir Darnley Alexander, who served as Nigeria’s fourth Chief Justice from 1975 to 1979.
Pierre identified several sectors ripe for collaboration, including agriculture, tourism, education, and physical infrastructure.
He also noted shared cultural roots, saying, “The cultural affinities between us are apparent. This is embedded in our DNA, and time cannot erase it.”
He highlighted Saint Lucia’s strength in cultural exports such as the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival, expressing hope for collaboration with Nigeria’s growing music and film industries.
On education, the Prime Minister praised Nigeria’s legacy and stressed Saint Lucia’s vision to make higher education more accessible.
“Nigeria’s accomplishments in higher education are historical and well known,” Pierre said, noting his government’s goal of achieving “one university graduate per household.”
Speaking on global shifts in power, Pierre described the visit as timely.
“Your visit comes at a time of heightened global insecurity and a fundamental shifting in the exercise of power in international relations,” he said, urging countries in the Global South to form stronger alliances. “Saint Lucia is seeking to do just that with Nigeria.”
President Tinubu also paid a visit to the Governor-General of Saint Lucia, Cyril Charles, where they discussed their shared membership in the Commonwealth and how it could serve as a platform for cooperation on climate action and socioeconomic development.
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for small states, saying the country is ready to “explore opportunities to boost trade and economic cooperation, particularly in agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.”