President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official state visit to Saint Lucia this past week was a watershed moment in the relationship between Nigeria and the Caribbean. The only previous official visit to the Caribbean was that of President Goodluck Jonathan to Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica in 2012. This visit was not merely a diplomatic milestone but a powerful reaffirmation of the deep cultural, historical, and spiritual ties that unite these two regions. As someone personally connected to both—born and raised in Nigeria, married for over two decades to a Trinbagonian, and recently engaged in Saint Lucia’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) project—I witnessed a visit that was marked by warmth, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to renewed collaboration.
“The dialogue between the two delegations was hopeful and forward-looking, underscoring the vast opportunities for Nigeria and the Caribbean to deepen economic, cultural, and social exchange.”
Genuine connections and shared aspirations
From the moment the Nigerian delegation arrived, the hospitality of the Saint Lucian hosts was extraordinary. It was heartening to see how well the Nigerian and Saint Lucian counterparts connected, each side impressed by the other’s passion and commitment. The dialogue between the two delegations was hopeful and forward-looking, underscoring the vast opportunities for Nigeria and the Caribbean to deepen economic, cultural, and social exchange.
A particular highlight was the joint sitting of the Saint Lucian Senate and Parliament. Both President Tinubu and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre delivered powerful speeches calling for closer cooperation between these two proud Black nations, united by shared history and culture. Prime Minister Pierre called on Nigeria to help address the Caribbean’s healthcare workforce shortages, advocated strongly for establishing a direct air link, and emphasised cooperation and co-investment in tourism, energy, and financial services. In a personal touch, the Prime Minister noted that his own Catholic parish priest is Nigerian, reflecting the deep, living ties between their peoples.
Read also: What President Tinubu’s visa waiver for Saint Lucians means for both countries
Education and diaspora engagement
President Tinubu’s announcement of scholarships for Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) students to study at Nigerian universities from the next academic year promises to build lasting human capital and cultural links if structured properly, though I recommend this be done at the graduate rather than undergraduate level.
He also promised visa waivers for holders of diplomatic and official passports, facilitating ease of movement and strengthening people-to-people connections. I recommend this be expanded to the entire Saint Lucia and OECS populations. These steps echo Nigeria’s ambition to engage its diaspora meaningfully.
Cultural, economic, and social synergies
The visit was punctuated by memorable cultural moments. At a stunning reception at the Governor General’s historic residence overlooking Castries Bay—meticulously maintained for over a century—President Tinubu was honoured with the title of Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (K.C.S.L.) by Governor General Sir Errol Charles, the representative of King Charles III for the country. The Saint Lucia Royal Police Band delivered a remarkable fusion of Caribbean and Nigerian music, while guests enjoyed authentic Nigerian dishes such as ‘assorted’ pepper soup and jollof rice, underscoring the growing cultural synthesis.
It was also here that I met President Tinubu in person for the first time. Despite being neighbours on Bourdillon Street in Lagos for five years, it was far away in Saint Lucia that I finally met him. Our meeting in Saint Lucia embodied the bridging of two worlds—a Nigerian-born and raised “oyinbo” welcomed warmly into the fold.
Another reception at the equally perfectly maintained historical Prime Minister’s official residence, painted coincidentally in Nigeria’s green and white, included a large representation of the local Nigerian community. A humorous moment unfolded when a mix-up occurred during the playing of the Nigerian national anthem: the well-known “Arise, Oh Compatriots” was sung with fervour, followed by an apology, after which the new/old anthem preferred by President Tinubu was played, though few Nigerians in the audience recognised it.
Forging concrete partnerships—Tourism, culture, and creative industries
One of my proudest contributions was facilitating the connection between Nigeria’s inspirational Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hon. Hannatu Musa Musawa, and Saint Lucia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture, and Information, Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire. Their swift negotiation and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding reflected a shared urgency to capitalise on creative and tourism sector synergies.
Read also: Nigeria, Saint Lucia sign MoU to boost tourism, creative industries
In addition to longer-term commitments to broader exchanges and technical support in tourism and the cultural economy, practical agreements were made to foster reciprocal participation in signature events, including the Saint Lucia Carnival, Saint Lucia Jazz Festival, Saint Lucia Emancipation Month, Lagos Fashion Week, Nigeria’s Detty December, and Calabar Carnival. These initiatives will support joint creative industry projects, tourism promotion, and talent exchanges. Don’t be surprised if you soon hear collaborations between Nigerian and Caribbean artists, perhaps with a new Afro-Soca or Soca-Beats music genre, or watch Nollywood movies filmed in Saint Lucia.
Technical manpower assistance and human capital collaboration
Another formal achievement of the visit was the signing of the Technical Manpower Assistance (TMA) Agreement, an initiative under which Nigeria will deploy skilled professionals—including teachers, doctors, and agriculturists—to Saint Lucia and other Caribbean nations. This is a vital step in South-South cooperation, aimed at addressing critical workforce shortages and reconnecting the African diaspora. It also provides a foundation on which to build a broader pipeline for Nigerian professionals to fill the growing manpower gaps in key sectors in Saint Lucia and the broader Caribbean.
Outcomes across the five recommended pillars
Reflecting on the five thematic pillars I had previously highlighted—cultural exchange, financial services, energy cooperation, healthcare workforce development, and air connectivity—many found expression during the visit. However, the true test will be in sustained follow-up and implementation.
It was regrettable that the Nigerian delegation did not include private sector leaders, which limited direct engagement with the Saint Lucian private sector on energy, investments, fintech innovation, and financial services expansion. Nevertheless, the strategic governmental dialogues have laid essential groundwork for future, broader partnerships.
A model for diaspora engagement: Learning from India
The visit invites comparison with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s engagement this week in Trinidad, where the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) program was extended to Indian descendants in Trinidad up to the sixth generation. Nigeria could pioneer a similar, but even more inclusive, program for the African diaspora in the Caribbean and beyond—potentially reaching back five centuries. This Nigerian diaspora program could grant visa-free entry, land ownership rights, and official Nigerian names linked to DNA ethnicity, with registration and annual membership fees generating substantial government revenue while fostering cultural reconnection and investment.
Read also: Taiwan extols Nigeria’s diplomatic endeavors in St. Lucia and The Caribbean states
Conclusion
President Tinubu’s visit has ignited a renewed spirit of collaboration between Nigeria and the Caribbean, with Saint Lucia playing a pivotal role as the OECS gateway. The historic visit has laid a foundation for a new chapter of partnership, grounded in shared heritage and ambitions for mutual prosperity.
Dr Wiebe greeting President Tinubu in Saint Lucia
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