By Nafisat Makinde
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Saint Lucia. Speaking on Monday at a special joint session of the Saint Lucian Senate and House of Assembly, President Tinubu described the diplomatic milestone as a “symbolic bridge” to strengthen ties between Nigeria and the Caribbean region.
The President proposed the creation of a Joint Commission or Political Consultation Agreement to formalize structured cooperation between Nigeria and OECS member states. Nigeria is open to exploring visa waiver arrangements for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS member states traveling to Nigeria.
“We will provide skilled professionals to support capacity building efforts across all sectors in your region,” President Tinubu said, emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to forging deeper partnerships with the OECS and its member states.
President Tinubu also pledged to establish full tuition scholarships for students from OECS countries to study in Nigerian universities and announced Nigeria’s willingness to extend its Technical Aid Corps to provide skilled professionals to support capacity building efforts across key sectors in the OECS region.
The President highlighted the potential for economic cooperation, citing Nigeria’s vast natural resources and position as Africa’s largest market. He advocated for joint scientific research initiatives to address shared health challenges and climate adaptation strategies.
“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,” President Tinubu urged, quoting Pan-Africanist Marcus Garvey and an African proverb.
