By Chesa Chesa, Saint Lucia
President Bola Tinubu on Monday announced the establishment of formal diplomatic relations with the Caribbean island-nation of Saint Lucia, describing it as a “symbolic bridge that will provide a gateway in fostering closer ties between us.”
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, as part of activities during his State Visit to the country.
President Tinubu subsequently declared Nigeria’s openness to visa waivers for diplomatic and official passport holders from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and urged reciprocal gestures to facilitate smoother official travel and closer institutional cooperation.
President Tinubu proposed creating 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 students of OECS to promote cultural understanding that further strengthens the bond between Nigeria and the Eastern Caribbean states.
The Nigerian leader, who delivered his address in the presence of leaders from the OECS, emphasised the deep historical and cultural bonds 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 in the audience.
On the visa waivers, Tinubu said: ”I respectfully urge a reciprocal gesture to enable smoother movement of officials and foster closer institutional cooperation”; even as he reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening ties with OECS and Caribbean nations, anchored in shared African heritage and Pan-African ideals.
”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 out of which emerged a shared cultural identity, an indomitable resilience and a legacy of aspiration.
”My presence here today symbolises Nigeria’s renewed commitment to re-engage with these enduring ties, recognising their strategic and emotional significance.
“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.
”It is in this context that I reaffirm OECS as a cherished partner of Nigeria. We remain committed to strengthening and expanding the enduring bonds of friendship that unite our regions,” he said.
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