Tinubu Offers Visa Waivers As Nigeria And Saint Lucia Build Diplomatic Ties

President Bola Tinubu has offered visa-free access to holders of diplomatic and official passports from countries in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), as Nigeria began diplomatic relations with Saint Lucia.

Speaking on Monday at a special joint session of Saint Lucia’s Senate and House of Assembly, held at the Sandals Grande Resort in Gros Islet, Tinubu urged OECS countries to consider granting the same visa waiver to Nigerian officials.

He stressed the importance of direct engagement between citizens of both regions, describing the new diplomatic relationship as a symbolic bridge that could open doors for stronger connections.

“I respectfully urge a reciprocal gesture to enable smoother movement of officials and foster closer institutional cooperation. My presence here today symbolises Nigeria’s renewed commitment to re-engage with these enduring ties, recognising their strategic and emotional significance,” Tinubu said.

The event was part of Tinubu’s current diplomatic tour of the Caribbean and South America, which started with his arrival in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, over the weekend.

During his speech, Tinubu also suggested setting up a joint commission or formal agreement to guide cooperation between Nigeria and OECS countries.

He said Nigeria is ready to work with the region in areas like trade, education, healthcare, and climate change.

“In this spirit, I wish to express Nigeria’s readiness to deepen cooperation with the OECS in mutual interest, including trade, investment, health, culture, education, and climate resilience,” Tinubu added.

To promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding, Tinubu announced plans to offer full scholarships to students from OECS member states.

He also called for educational partnerships between maritime universities in Nigeria and the Caribbean.

According to him, Nigeria is open to expanding its Technical Aid Corps (TAC) programme to OECS nations, helping build local skills and strengthening long-term academic partnerships.

“Such partnerships will build technical capacity and foster mutual understanding and long-term academic collaboration,” he said.

On economic diplomacy, Tinubu invited Caribbean nations to tap into Nigeria’s vast market by exploring partnerships in areas like 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 added.

Aware of the unique climate risks facing small island nations, Tinubu proposed joint efforts in researching climate change adaptation, disaster response, sustainable farming, and migration driven by environmental threats.

“By sharing research findings on climate impacts, adaptation strategies, and disaster risk management. We can deepen our understanding and enhance our collective resilience,” he noted.

Tinubu underlined Nigeria’s foreign policy focus on Africa and shared identity with Caribbean nations, saying both regions have common roots and experiences.

“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.

Leaders and representatives from other OECS nations, including Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent, and Montserrat, were also in attendance, along with members of the diplomatic corps and Nigerians residing in Saint Lucia.

Quoting Marcus Garvey and an African proverb, Tinubu wrapped up his speech with a call for unity, saying “Get organised and you will compel the world to respect you. If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

KanyiDaily had reported how President Bola Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on a diplomatic trip that will take him through parts of the Caribbean and South America.