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NIGERIA, SAINT LUCIA ESTABLISH DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS AS PRESIDENT TINUBU PROPOSES VISA WAIVERS FOR OECS OFFICIAL PASSPORT HOLDERS

President Bola Tinubu has formally announced the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, describing it as a “symbolic bridge that will provide a gateway in fostering closer ties between us.” This development marks a significant step in strengthening ties between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement, revealed that President Tinubu 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. Tinubu proposed creating a Joint Commission or Political Consultation Agreement as a mechanism for structured cooperation between Nigeria and the OECS. “We remain committed to strengthening and expanding the enduring bonds of friendship that unite our regions,” he said.

The Nigerian leader emphasised the deep historical and cultural bonds between Nigeria and the OECS, calling for greater people-to-people engagement. Tinubu declared Nigeria’s openness to visa waivers for OECS diplomatic and official passport holders and urged reciprocal gestures to facilitate smoother official travel and closer institutional cooperation. “I respectfully urge a reciprocal gesture to enable smoother movement of officials and foster closer institutional cooperation,” he said. Onanuga noted that Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening ties with OECS and Caribbean nations, anchored in shared African heritage and Pan-African ideals.

President Tinubu also announced full scholarships to students of OECS to promote cultural understanding and further strengthen the bond between Nigeria and the Eastern Caribbean states. He proposed a maritime university collaboration and extending Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps (TAC) programme to OECS countries. “I strongly advocate for educational exchange programmes between Nigerian and OECS maritime universities. Such partnerships will build technical capacity and foster mutual understanding and long-term academic collaboration,” he said.

On economic diplomacy and trade, Tinubu offered OECS access to Africa’s largest market and called for joint ventures and deeper commercial ties. “Nigeria’s vast natural resources and position as the largest market in Africa present significant opportunities for the OECS, both as a source of essential inputs and a growing export destination. Together, we can leverage our respective strengths to attract investment, create jobs, and foster joint ventures that benefit both our peoples,” he said. Onanuga further quoted Tinubu as saying, “Let us journey together, united in purpose and fortified by our common heritage.”

The President also highlighted Nigeria’s Afrocentric foreign policy, reiterating the country’s commitment to global Black solidarity. “Nigeria, as the most populous nation on the African continent and the foremost Black nation globally, has long stood at the vanguard of advocacy for the dignity and advancement of Black people worldwide,” he said, citing Nigeria’s instrumental role in establishing the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union.

Tinubu ended his address by invoking the words of Marcus Garvey, “Get organised and you will compel the world to respect you,” and an African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” The audience included leaders from Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, the Premier of Montserrat, Saint Martin, and Saint Vincent.

NIGERIA, SAINT LUCIA ESTABLISH DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS AS PRESIDENT TINUBU PROPOSES VISA WAIVERS FOR OECS OFFICIAL PASSPORT HOLDERS

DALORI TAKES OVER AS APC ACTING NATIONAL

NIGERIA, SAINT LUCIA ESTABLISH DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS AS PRESIDENT TINUBU PROPOSES VISA WAIVERS FOR OECS OFFICIAL PASSPORT HOLDERS

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