The recent state visit of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to St. Lucia has sparked intense debate across the island, exposing deep divisions over governance, diplomacy, and political strategy. While officially celebrated as a historic occasion to strengthen Africa-Caribbean ties, the visit has also been widely criticized as a costly, disruptive, and politically opportunistic event- especially with St. Lucia’s general elections looming in the near future.
With general elections constitutionally due by 2026 and political campaigning already intensifying, many see the timing of Tinubu’s visit as more than coincidental. The ruling Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) appears eager to showcase high-profile international partnerships, possibly to bolster its image ahead of the polls. Critics argue that the lavish welcome-including the conferment of a knighthood, a guard of honour, and the unprecedented closure of both Hewanorra and George F.L. Charles airports-amounts to political theatre designed to impress voters rather than deliver tangible benefits.
The airport closures, lasting several hours on June 28, caused significant disruptions. Multiple international flights were cancelled or delayed, affecting thousands of tourists-St. Lucia’s economic lifeblood. Hoteliers and local businesses reported losses as visitor arrivals were interrupted during peak travel time. Industry insiders warn that such disruptions risk damaging St. Lucia’s reputation as a reliable tourist destination, potentially deterring future visitors and investors.
Financially, the estimated cost of hosting the Nigerian president-including security, logistics, and ceremonial expenses-runs into the millions of dollars, a heavy burden on taxpayers. This comes at a time when many question the government’s priorities, especially given ongoing challenges such as rising crime rates (with five homicides recorded in five days), the killing of Tyson, St. Lucia’s sole canine officer and stalled infrastructure projects like the Hewanorra International Airport redevelopment and the home cruise port in Vieux-Fort.
The visit has revived the popular Kweyol saying, ‘meme bete, meme pwell’-like attracts like. President Tinubu’s tenure in Nigeria has been marred by allegations of corruption and nepotism, casting a shadow over his international reception. Many St. Lucians see uncomfortable parallels between the Nigerian leader’s controversies and accusations of corruption within their own administration. This perceived affinity fuels scepticism about the sincerity and wisdom of celebrating such a figure with honours and fanfare.
Supporters of the visit emphasize the importance of strengthening ties with African nations, citing shared heritage and potential opportunities for trade, education, and cultural exchange. Yet, no concrete economic agreements or development projects were announced during the visit, leaving many to question what substantive gains St. Lucia will reap from this diplomatic gesture.
Adding complexity is the geopolitical backdrop: both Nigeria and St. Lucia are reportedly on the radar of the United States’ Trump-era travel ban list, raising questions about the diplomatic prudence of aligning closely with a leader under international scrutiny. This alignment could complicate St. Lucia’s own foreign relations and visa policies, with uncertain consequences for citizens and businesses.
With elections approaching, the timing and spectacle of the visit have led many to interpret it as a calculated political move by the SLP government. The knighthood conferred on Tinubu, while officially framed as a symbol of Africa-Caribbean solidarity, is viewed by critics as an attempt to bolster the administration’s standing by association with a powerful foreign leader—despite the controversies surrounding him.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s government faces pressure to demonstrate effective leadership and deliver on pressing local issues before the polls. Yet, the choice to prioritize a costly state visit over addressing urgent matters such as healthcare, crippling cost of living, crime reduction, economic recovery, and infrastructure development raises questions about governance priorities.
President Tinubu’s visit to St. Lucia is more than a diplomatic event; it reflects the island’s current political dynamics and challenges. The disruptions, costs, and controversies surrounding the visit underscore a broader tension between symbolic gestures and substantive progress. As St. Lucians prepare to head to the polls, this episode serves as a reminder that “meme bete, meme pwell”-the company we keep, and the choices we make, define us.
The coming months will test whether the government can translate diplomatic pageantry into meaningful outcomes for the people or whether political opportunism will continue to overshadow the island’s pressing needs.