President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday evening, marking the start of his two-nation diplomatic mission to the Caribbean and South America.
According to a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga in Abuja, Tinubu was received at Hewanorra International Airport with full military honours. He was welcomed by Saint Lucia’s Governor-General, Cyril Charles, and Prime Minister Philip Pierre.
The President will formally commence his state visit on Sunday with courtesy calls on both top Saint Lucian leaders. On Monday, he is scheduled to address a special joint session of Saint Lucia’s Senate and House of Assembly at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet.
Attendees at the joint session will include Heads of Government from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), senior officials, diplomats, members of the Nigerian community, and OECS Director-General, Dr. Didacus Jules.
Following the parliamentary session, Tinubu will host a high-level working luncheon with OECS leaders, with discussions centred on economic cooperation and cultural exchange.
He will also visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries to promote academic collaboration and educational linkages between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.
The visit underscores Nigeria’s commitment to expanding diplomatic and economic ties with Caribbean nations through the African Union’s Sixth Region initiative.
After concluding his engagements in Saint Lucia, Tinubu will travel to Brazil for the 2025 BRICS Summit, scheduled for July 6–7 in Rio de Janeiro. The President is attending the summit at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in recognition of Nigeria’s growing role as a ‘partner country.’
The 17th BRICS Summit will focus on “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” with key discussions on global South-South collaboration and sustainable development.
