Saint Lucia is poised to officially welcome Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu for a 7-day diplomatic and private visit, starting from June 28 to July 4, according to Prime Minister Philip J Pierre.
Tinubu, the 16th and current President of Nigeria since May 29, 2023, will be received with the utmost attention. The government is implementing necessary measures to ensure the president’s stay is safe and memorable.
This includes heightened national security and established traffic protocols. The public is expected to cooperate with these arrangements for a smooth experience.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has stated that Saint Lucia is eager to explore robust trade relations and forge mutual partnerships, particularly with Africa as a focal point.
“I want to inform the public that traffic delays will occur during the president’s movements,” he stated during a pre-cabinet briefing, on Monday.
PM Pierre emphasised the necessity of stringent security arrangements due to the importance of this visit, acknowledging the inconvenience but reiterating that it is a requirement of international protocol.
He stressed the significance of the visit, saying that Nigeria’s has a status of being the most populous country in Africa and its position as the largest economy on the continent.
“Nigeria possesses vast resources and historical linkages that we must maintain and expand,” he asserted. “This visit marks a crucial first step toward deepening our ties with Africa.”
“We have to maintain these ties with Africa and we want to expand these ties,” the prime minister added. “This first visit is the first step… and you may recall in our (SLP) manifesto, that we spoke about expanding more towards the south so we could expand our relations with the south.”
Additionally, he remarked on the historical context, stating, “Our history with Africa is vital; we cannot ignore it. Much of our past is intertwined with Africa and it is essential that we strengthen these relations, especially in the current global landscape.”
Addressing inquiries about CARICOM’s bilateral relations with Africa and existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreements, PM Pierre confirmed that leaders and representatives from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have been invited to participate in the Nigerian president’s visit.
He acknowledged that while discussions have occurred over time, progress has been slow but is essential.
“Our connection with Africa has often been downplayed, largely due to negative portrayals by Western media,” he noted. “Developing these important relationships is a process that requires patience and commitment.”
The Prime Minister asserted, “There is significant value in learning from Africa, and we will prioritize addressing the challenges of distance. We will seek to establish regular airline services between Africa and our region.”
Furthermore, he outlined ongoing initiatives, stating, “We are making deliberate and incremental progress, starting with cultural exchanges. There are African bands that participate in jazz events here, showcasing our commitment to fostering these connections.”