President Bola Tinubu has launched a new education and trade partnership between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), with a scholarship scheme and expanded cooperation in agriculture, tourism, and visa facilitation at the core of the agreement.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, on Monday, alongside Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, Tinubu said the programme has already commenced and will be driven by a joint Nigeria-OECS committee.
“The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States is very close to us in Africa,” said Tinubu. “We are moving forward to facilitate business and education opportunities, capacity building, and explore other areas such as agriculture and food security. We won’t drop the ball.”
Responding to concerns about potential challenges in implementation, the President asserted: “I don’t look at difficulties. I look at problem-solving. If we move on a straight line, we get our goal achieved, and there will be no problems.”
In his remarks, Prime Minister Pierre hailed the scholarship initiative as a “timely and practical expression of solidarity,” adding that the two sides also prioritised visa facilitation, air connectivity, and tourism cooperation during high-level talks.
“We expect students to begin their studies in Nigeria in the next academic year. A joint committee will address education, trade, and travel, and the people-to-people exchange will be key,” Pierre stated.
Earlier in the day, Tinubu addressed a special joint sitting of Saint Lucia’s Parliament, where he outlined a bold vision for renewed Afro-Caribbean ties, anchored on mutual respect, development goals, and cultural exchange.
