President Bola Tinubu has officially announced the establishment of diplomatic relations with Saint Lucia, describing it as a symbolic bridge that will serve as a gateway to fostering closer ties between the two nations.
He made the announcement while addressing a special joint session of the Senate and House of Assembly of Saint Lucia at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia.
The President proposed the creation of a Joint Commission or Political Consultation Agreement as a mechanism for structured cooperation between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
He also announced that he would offer full scholarships to OECS students to promote cultural understanding, strengthening the bond between Nigeria and the Eastern Caribbean States.
President Tinubu emphasised the deep historical and cultural connections between Nigeria and the OECS and called for greater people-to-people engagement.
The leaders of Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, the Premier of Montserrat, Saint Martin, and Saint Vincent were present in the audience.
The President declared Nigeria’s openness to visa waivers for OECS diplomatic and official passport holders with reciprocal gestures to facilitate smoother official travel and closer institutional cooperation.
“As one who feels a profound kinship with our shared African heritage, I am fully aware of the historical currents that have bound us together — currents shaped by the transatlantic slave trade and colonial subjugation, but from which emerged a shared cultural identity, indomitable resilience, and a legacy of aspiration.
“This occasion serves as a testament to the enduring ideals of Pan-Africanism and the unyielding desire for unity and collaboration among peoples of African descent.” he stated.
On economic diplomacy and trade, President Tinubu advocated enhanced trade and investment partnerships, especially in agriculture, manufacturing, and services, which would position Nigeria as both a supplier and a destination for OECS exports.
“In this spirit, I wish to express Nigeria’s readiness to deepen cooperation with the OECS in mutual interests, including trade, investment, health, culture, education, and climate resilience.” The President stated.
President Tinubu proposed collaboration on a maritime university and extending Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps (TAC) programme to OECS countries.
He emphasised Nigeria’s readiness to provide skilled professionals in education, healthcare, and engineering to support regional capacity building.
Recognising the existential climate threats facing small island states, President Tinubu called for joint research on adaptation strategies, sustainable agriculture, disaster preparedness, and climate-induced migration.
The President highlighted the cultural and historical ties between Nigeria and the diaspora, underlining its enduring role in global Black solidarity.
RN