President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday evening, marking the beginning of his two-nation diplomatic tour of the Caribbean and South America.
The visit is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ties with the Caribbean region and enhancing global cooperation ahead of the 2025 BRICS Summit in Brazil.
According to a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the Nigerian leader was accorded full military honours upon his arrival at Hewanorra International Airport.
He was received by the Governor-General of Saint Lucia, Sir Errol Charles, and the Prime Minister, Philip Pierre.
President Tinubu will officially begin his state visit on Sunday with courtesy visits to both the Governor-General and the Prime Minister.
On Monday, he will deliver an address to a special joint session of Saint Lucia’s Senate and House of Assembly. The session will be held at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom in Sandals Grande, located in Gros Islet.
The event will be attended by Heads of Government from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), top Saint Lucian officials, members of the diplomatic corps, the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia, and the OECS Director-General, Dr. Didacus Jules.
Following the joint parliamentary session, President Tinubu is expected to host a high-level working luncheon with OECS leaders.
The discussions at the luncheon will focus on enhancing economic cooperation and promoting cultural exchange between Nigeria and member states of the OECS.
As part of his itinerary, the President will also visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries.
This visit aims to promote academic collaboration and reinforce educational links between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.
The visit reflects Nigeria’s growing commitment to deepening diplomatic, cultural, and economic relations with Caribbean nations.
It is part of a broader strategy to expand Nigeria’s influence and partnerships within the Global South.
After concluding his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will head to Brazil to participate in the 17th BRICS Summit, scheduled to take place in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to 7.
He will attend the summit at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a recognition of Nigeria’s growing role as a strategic partner among developing nations.
The 2025 BRICS Summit is themed “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.”
The summit will focus on strengthening cooperation among Global South nations and advancing shared goals in social, economic, and environmental development.
