Following the landmark visit of President Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu of Nigeria to Saint Lucia, the government is actively implementing several strategic initiatives to strengthen ties with the country and the wider sub-region.
In a media briefing on Monday, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre provided an update on the progress of diplomatic, socioeconomic, bilateral trade, and cultural relations between the nations.
PM Pierre emphasized the successful outcomes from the recent OECS Heads of Government Meeting with President Tinubu, held on July 4, where Saint Lucia proudly hosted the OECS leaders for a significant working session.
“This visit transcended mere ceremonial engagements-it yielded clear and impactful outcomes,” asserted the Prime Minister.
“It represents a major advancement in enhancing South-South cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean, regions that share common histories and aligned developmental objectives,” he added.
PM Pierre detailed several direct offers presented by President Tinubu to the region, including:
– Full tuition scholarships for OECS students wishing to pursue higher education in Nigeria.
– Deployment of Nigerian professionals in critical sectors such as health, education, and engineering through the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps.
– Visa waivers for OECS nationals holding diplomatic and official passports, with a call for reciprocal agreements.
– Establishment of formal diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, with other OECS Member States expected to follow suit; discussions on a joint diplomatic mission are underway.
– Proposal for a Nigeria-OECS Joint Commission to drive and expand this new partnership.
– Collaborative efforts in education, maritime training, scientific research, and climate adaptation.
In response, the OECS Heads expressed strong support for Nigeria’s proposals and underscored key areas of interest, including:
– Reviving the Nigeria-OECS medical partnership to facilitate the arrival of doctors and nurses to the region.
– Expanding youth exchanges focused on training in robotics, software, and innovation.
– Deepening collaboration in the cultural and creative sectors, prioritizing export-ready Afro-Caribbean goods. – Enhancing air and maritime connectivity, including renewed discussions on the Black Star Liner concept and establishing direct air links via Nigerian carriers.
– Targeted tourism marketing to Nigeria’s burgeoning middle class.
– Joint promotion of trade and investment, which includes business forums and matchmaking between OECS entrepreneurs and Nigerian investors.
Additionally, the Prime Minister declared that both sides would appoint lead representatives and technical working groups to ensure the agenda’s successful implementation.
“This historic meeting between the OECS Heads of Government and the President of Nigeria highlighted the tangible benefits of South-South collaboration—not merely as an abstract concept, but as an effective mechanism for problem-solving, capacity building, and unlocking opportunities,” he noted.
In conclusion, PM Pierre stated, “The relationship between Africa and the Caribbean is not only historical—it is fundamentally strategic.”