Tinubu Courts Caribbean Allies: Seeks Visa Waivers, Scholarships as Nigeria Seals Ties with Saint Lucia, OECS Bloc
In a landmark diplomatic milestone, Nigeria has officially established formal relations with Saint Lucia and deepened engagement with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), marking a significant step in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s push for Afro-Caribbean unity and global Black solidarity.
Speaking Monday at a historic joint sitting of Saint Lucia’s Senate and House of Assembly, held at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom in Sandals Grande, President Tinubu outlined a bold vision for strategic cooperation with OECS nations including Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, Saint Martin, and Saint Vincent.
Describing the move as a “symbolic bridge” connecting Africa and the Caribbean, Tinubu announced a series of initiatives to strengthen institutional, cultural, and economic ties.
“We are not just opening a diplomatic channel — we are reawakening blood ties, shared struggles, and common aspirations,” he declared.
Among the key proposals was the establishment of a Joint Commission or Political Consultation Agreement, aimed at fostering structured dialogue and regular diplomatic engagement. Tinubu also announced that Nigeria would grant visa waivers to diplomatic and official passport holders from OECS member states, encouraging reciprocal action.
“I respectfully urge a reciprocal gesture to enable smoother movement of officials and foster closer institutional cooperation,” Tinubu said.
In a nod to education and people-to-people ties, President Tinubu offered full scholarships to OECS students, while also pledging to extend Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps (TAC) programme to the region. The initiative will deploy Nigerian professionals in fields such as education, healthcare, and engineering to support development efforts in the Caribbean.
The Nigerian leader advocated for deeper collaboration in maritime education and scientific research, especially in tackling shared challenges in health and climate change.
“Beyond maritime education, both regions should explore joint scientific research initiatives, particularly addressing common health challenges,” he noted.
Acknowledging the existential threat climate change poses to small island nations, Tinubu called for robust cooperation on climate adaptation, disaster risk management, and sustainable agriculture.
“We can deepen our understanding and enhance our collective resilience by sharing research findings on climate impacts, adaptation strategies, and disaster risk management,” he said.
President Tinubu grounded his speech in Afrocentric foreign policy ideals, stressing the historic and emotional significance of the diplomatic outreach.
“My presence here today symbolises Nigeria’s renewed commitment to re-engage with these enduring ties, recognising their strategic and emotional significance,” he stated.
“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.”
On trade, Tinubu invited OECS countries to tap into Nigeria’s vast market, highlighting opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, and services.
“Together, we can leverage our respective strengths to attract investment, create jobs, and foster joint ventures that benefit both our peoples,” he said.
He also referenced his administration’s ongoing economic reforms, aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s potential and positioning it as a key player on the global stage.
Concluding his address, Tinubu evoked the Pan-African legacy of Marcus Garvey and an African proverb to drive home his call for unity and cooperation among peoples of African descent.
“Get organised and you will compel the world to respect you,” he quoted Garvey.
“And as the African proverb teaches us: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ Let us journey together, united in purpose and fortified by our common heritage.”
The event drew over 300 attendees, including OECS Heads of Government, Saint Lucian lawmakers, diplomats, and members of the Nigerian diaspora in the Caribbean. Read More
