President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. local time, kicking off the first leg of his two-nation diplomatic tour to the Caribbean and South America.
Upon landing at Hewanorra International Airport, President Tinubu was welcomed with full military honours and received by Saint Lucia’s Governor-General, Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles, and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
According to a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu will begin his state visit in earnest on Sunday with courtesy visits to the Governor-General and Prime Minister Pierre.
On Monday, Tinubu is scheduled to address a special joint session of Saint Lucia’s Senate and House of Assembly at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet.
Attendees will include Heads of Government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), senior government officials, diplomats, the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia, and Dr Didacus Jules, Director-General of OECS.
President Tinubu will also host a high-level working luncheon with OECS leaders, focusing on deepening Nigeria-OECS cooperation through economic partnerships and cultural solidarity.
Part of the President’s itinerary includes a visit to Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries, aimed at strengthening educational ties and advancing academic exchange initiatives.
“President Tinubu’s visit underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with Caribbean states, particularly within the African Union’s Sixth Region framework,” said Onanuga, referencing the AU’s recognition of the African diaspora as a key development partner.
After Saint Lucia, Tinubu will head to Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to 7, 2025. He will attend the summit as a partner country, a designation that places Nigeria above guest status but short of full membership.
This year’s summit is themed “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” Discussions will focus on fostering social, economic, and environmental development across the Global South.
