Nigeria, Saint Lucia partner to strengthen tourism, creative industry ties

Nigeria and Saint Lucia signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Tuesday evening at the Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort.

The agreement, which focuses on tourism, the Orange Economy, and the creative industries, signals a partnership aimed at deepening cultural, economic, and strategic ties between the two nations.

The signing ceremony coincided with Nigeria’s President’s official visit to Saint Lucia, marking a symbolic and substantive moment in the evolving relationship between the West African giant and the Caribbean island state.

Describing the occasion as the dawn of a new era, Nigeria’s Minister for Tourism hailed the partnership as both timely and visionary.

“Never have I seen the kind of extension of hospitality that we’ve had here,” she said. “Your country is honestly one of the most beautiful sites in the world…literally a slice of heaven.”

The Minister underscored the emotional and cultural connection she felt upon arrival, adding, “From the minute I got off that aeroplane. it was literally as if I was looking into a mirror. Saint Lucia is a reflection of Nigeria; Nigeria is a reflection of Saint Lucia.”

She emphasised that the MOU offers a strategic framework to leverage complementary strengths. “Nigeria has mastered the art of creative industry and culture, from Nollywood to music to storytelling. Saint Lucia, on the other hand, has perfected the tourism model. This collaboration allows us to exchange expertise and co-develop our capacities in both sectors.”

The agreement is expected to facilitate mutual participation in key cultural events, most notably Saint Lucia’s world-renowned Jazz Festival, as well as foster collaboration in fashion, arts, and museum development.

“We want you to come to Lagos for our ‘Detty December,’ wear our clothes, take our leather and our fabrics,” the Minister added. “We are part of each other. We don’t need to be beholden to external powers. This is the beginning of a new dawn.”

She also spoke of the broader implications for the African diaspora, stating, “This partnership can generate immense value for both our countries, but more importantly, it can inspire the global Black community. When future generations look back, they will see that this was the day it all began.”

Ernest Hilaire, Saint Lucia’s Minister for Tourism, Culture, and the Creative Industries, echoed the sentiment, framing the agreement as a formal reconnection of people separated by history but united by heritage.

“Colonialism expanded the boundaries of Africa beyond the continent to include islands like ours,” Dr. Hilaire said. “This agreement is about formally re-establishing those ancestral links.”

He highlighted Saint Lucia’s admiration for Nigeria’s dynamic cultural exports. “From music and dance to fashion and sports, Nigeria has been an inspiration. We’ve enjoyed Nigerian talent at our Jazz Festival in recent years, and this MOU gives us the opportunity to deepen that relationship.”

Hilaire also emphasised the potential for knowledge exchange in tourism, noting Saint Lucia’s internationally recognised community-based tourism model.

“We may be small, just 238 square miles and a population under 200,000, but we’ve built a successful tourism industry with valuable lessons to share. We’re excited to contribute that expertise as Nigeria develops its tourism sector.”

The collaboration is also expected to address practical challenges in Saint Lucia’s creative industries, such as sourcing raw materials for fashion and traditional crafts.