Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside Saint Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, have committed to build formal diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.
President Tinubu said, he wants the expansion of the relationship between Nigeria and Saint Lucia as both countries “are bound by history, culture, and common aspirations”.
The Nigerian Leader described the move as a “bridge between Africa and the Carribean”, saying, it shows “our desire to advance prosperity”.
Prime Minister Pierre said, the “small size” of Saint Lucia has never hindered from offering one of its best talnets to Nigeria during the West African nation’s “post-independence developmental project”.
According to a State House Press Statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, on Saturday 29 June 2025: “President Bola Tinubu and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre have committed to establishing formal diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.
“Both leaders discussed ongoing efforts toward this goal during President Tinubu’s courtesy visit to the Prime Minister at his official residence in Castries on the second day of the Nigerian leader’s State Visit to the Caribbean nation.
“President Tinubu appreciated the hospitality extended to him and his delegation since their arrival, describing Saint Lucians as “valued friends and brothers.”
“He acknowledged the enduring connections shaped by a shared past and the collective resilience of both regions, highlighting the historical and cultural ties between African and Caribbean peoples.
“”Our two nations are bound by history, culture, and common aspirations. We are determined to nurture and expand this relationship,” President Tinubu said.
“President Tinubu noted that ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral engagement would lay the foundation for enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, education, and cultural exchange while improving consular services for citizens of both nations.
“”This is a bridge between Africa and the Caribbean, a pathway to deepen economic ties and foster mutual understanding. It reflects our desire to advance prosperity, solidarity, and sustainable development.”
“Prime Minister Pierre acknowledged the productive discussions between the two countries’ Ministers of Foreign Affairs and expressed optimism about the future of bilateral ties.
“”There is an air of enthusiasm and optimism about the future of relations between our countries,” he said.
“Reflecting on Saint Lucia’s longstanding connection to Nigeria, Prime Minister Pierre recalled:
“”Saint Lucia’s small size did not prevent it from offering one of its finest talents to the post-independence development project of Nigeria in the person of Sir Darnley Alexander, as Nigeria’s fourth Chief Justice between 1975 and 1979.”
“He outlined key areas for potential collaboration, including agriculture, tourism, culture, education, health, and physical infrastructure.
“”The cultural affinities between us are apparent. This is embedded in our DNA, and time cannot erase it. Saint Lucia is now an established global centre for cultural festivals.
“”The acclaimed Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival is now a global brand, and there is much that we can share with Nigeria as it seeks to establish itself as a centre for global entertainment, particularly in the film and music industries; moreover, there is an incredible potential for people-to-people exchange.”
“The Prime Minister praised Nigeria’s legacy in education and highlighted the importance of deepening educational cooperation to achieve his goal of having at least one university graduate per household.
“”Nigeria’s accomplishments in higher education are historical and well known. Your programme will give you an insight into what we are trying to do in that area, with a visit to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, our premier educational institution.
“”Our distinguished Nobel Laureate in Economics, after whom the College was named, postulated that the key to development lay in education. Saint Lucia is trying to give meaning to that within the means at its disposal. A policy of my government is to have one university graduate per household.”
“Prime Minister Pierre reaffirmed Saint Lucia’s intention to strengthen its relationship with the African continent, with Nigeria playing a pivotal role.”
