President Bola Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday evening, marking the start of a two-nation diplomatic mission to the Caribbean and South America.
He was received with full military honours at Hewanorra International Airport by Saint Lucia’s Governor-General Cyril Charles and Prime Minister Philip Pierre.
According to a statement by Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu will begin official engagements on Sunday with courtesy visits to the Governor-General and the Prime Minister.
On Monday, he is scheduled to address a special joint session of Saint Lucia’s Senate and House of Assembly.
The address will be held at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom in Gros Islet and will be attended by OECS leaders, Saint Lucian officials, diplomats, members of the Nigerian community, and OECS Director-General Dr. Didacus Jules.
Following the joint session, President Tinubu will host a high-level luncheon with the leaders of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), focusing on economic cooperation and cultural exchange. He is also expected to visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries to promote academic collaboration between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.
This visit is part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to deepen its diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations with Caribbean nations.
After concluding his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will head to Brazil to attend the 2025 BRICS Summit, scheduled to take place in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to 7. Invited by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Tinubu will participate as a representative of a BRICS partner country.
The summit will focus on enhancing Global South Cooperation and strengthening BRICS partnerships in the areas of social, economic, and environmental development under the theme: “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.”
What you should know
President Tinubu’s Caribbean tour begins in Saint Lucia, aimed at boosting Nigeria’s regional ties. He’ll later attend the BRICS Summit in Brazil to represent Nigeria as a recognized partner country focused on South-South collaboration and sustainable development.
