Tinubu Touches Down in Saint Lucia, Begins Diplomatic Tour Ahead of BRICS Summit in Brazil
By Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday at exactly 5:30 p.m. local time, kicking off a high-level diplomatic tour of the Caribbean and South America.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the Nigerian leader was received at Hewanorra International Airport with full military honours by Saint Lucia’s Governor-General, His Excellency Errol Melchiades Charles, and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
The state visit marks Tinubu’s first official engagement in the Caribbean since assuming office, and is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties with the region.
On Sunday, the President is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on both the Governor-General and Prime Minister Pierre. His visit will reach a diplomatic high point on Monday when he addresses a joint session of the Saint Lucian Senate and House of Assembly at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet.
The event is expected to attract key stakeholders including Heads of Government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), senior officials, the diplomatic community, members of the Nigerian diaspora in Saint Lucia, and the Director-General of the OECS, Dr. Didacus Jules.
President Tinubu will also host a working luncheon with OECS leaders, where discussions will centre on deepening bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, cultural exchange, and education.
As part of his itinerary, he will visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries to promote academic partnerships and student exchange programmes between Nigeria and Caribbean institutions.
“President Tinubu’s visit underscores Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing strategic partnerships with Caribbean nations, especially within the framework of the African Union’s Sixth Region, which recognises the African diaspora as a key player in Africa’s global development agenda,” the statement said.
Following his engagements in Saint Lucia, the Nigerian leader will head to Brazil to participate in the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to 7, 2025. He will attend the summit as a ‘partner country’—a new status offered to Nigeria, elevating its role beyond that of a mere guest nation.
President Tinubu is expected to join counterparts from South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, and other BRICS nations in shaping a more inclusive global order under the summit’s theme: “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.”