President Bola Tinubu will embark on a two-nation trip this weekend, beginning with a state visit to Saint Lucia before heading to Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit.
According to a press release issued Friday, June 27, by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, “President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Saturday, June 28, 2025, on a two-nation visit to Saint Lucia and Brazil,” the statement read.
The Saint Lucia leg of the trip is aimed at boosting Nigeria’s engagement with the Caribbean and strengthening South-South cooperation.
During the visit, Tinubu will meet with Governor-General Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles and Prime Minister Philip Pierre.
A key highlight of the visit will be Tinubu’s address to a special joint session of Saint Lucia’s Senate and House of Assembly.
The event, to be held at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom in Gros Islet, will be attended by leaders of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), diplomats, and the Nigerian community in the country.
The president will also host a working luncheon with OECS Heads of Government to discuss economic and cultural partnerships.
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“Discussions at the luncheon will focus on specific parameters to deepen cooperation between Nigeria and the OECS for shared prosperity through economic partnerships and cultural solidarity,” the statement said.
Additionally, Tinubu will visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries to promote academic collaboration between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.
The visit, the presidency noted, “underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with Caribbean states, especially within the African Union’s Sixth Region framework, which recognises the African diaspora as an essential partner in the continent’s development.”
From Saint Lucia, the Nigerian leader will travel to Rio de Janeiro for the 17th BRICS Summit scheduled for July 6–7.
Tinubu is attending at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, representing Nigeria as a “partner country,” a step above guest status.
“The 17th BRICS Summit will focus on ‘Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance’.
Discussions will prioritise two key areas: Global South Cooperation and BRICS Partnerships for Social, Economic, and Environmental Development,” the statement said.
President Tinubu will be accompanied by senior government officials throughout the trip.