Tinubu Arrives In Saint Lucia To Begin Two-Nation Diplomatic Tour

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday at approximately 5:30 p.m. local time, as he commenced a two-nation diplomatic tour of the Caribbean and South America.

His arrival at Hewanorra International Airport was marked by full military honours and a warm reception from the Governor-General of Saint Lucia, His Excellency Errol Melchiades Charles, alongside Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.

The development was confirmed in an official statement issued Saturday night by Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.

Tinubu is scheduled to begin official engagements on Sunday, including courtesy visits to both the Governor-General and Prime Minister Pierre. On Monday, he will address a special joint session of the Saint Lucian Parliament—comprising both the Senate and the House of Assembly—at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet.

Dignitaries expected at the address include the Heads of Government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), senior officials of the Saint Lucian government, members of the diplomatic corps, the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia, and the Director-General of OECS, Dr. Didacus Jules.

Following the parliamentary address, President Tinubu will host a high-level working luncheon with OECS leaders. Discussions will focus on strengthening economic cooperation, fostering cultural ties, and advancing shared prosperity through strategic partnerships.

The President will also visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries, where he is expected to explore avenues for academic collaboration and educational exchange programmes.

According to the presidency, the visit underscores Nigeria’s growing commitment to deepening relations with Caribbean nations, aligning with the African Union’s Sixth Region initiative which recognises the African diaspora as a critical stakeholder in the continent’s development.

Upon conclusion of his Saint Lucian engagements, President Tinubu will travel to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to participate in the 2025 BRICS Summit, scheduled for July 6–7. He is attending at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, representing Nigeria as a ‘partner country’—a designation short of full membership in the BRICS alliance.2