President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced Nigeria’s readiness to offer visa waivers to holders of diplomatic and official passports from member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), in a bid to strengthen bilateral relations and encourage cultural and institutional exchanges.
Tinubu made the pledge on Monday during a special joint session of the Saint Lucian Senate and House of Assembly, held at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet, as part of his state visit to Saint Lucia.
“Nigeria is open to exploring a visa waiver arrangement for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS member states,” Tinubu said. “I respectfully urge a reciprocal gesture to enable smoother movement of officials and foster closer cooperation.”
The OECS comprises Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Present at the historic session were OECS heads of government, top Saint Lucian officials, members of the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia, and Didacus Jules, Director-General of the OECS.
In a further bid to deepen Nigeria-Caribbean collaboration, Tinubu announced that Nigeria would soon deploy its Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) to Saint Lucia, with experts in healthcare, education, agriculture, and technical services, offering a framework for broader Africa-Caribbean cooperation.
The President also used the occasion to formally announce the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, describing it as a vital bridge toward mutual growth.
“This diplomatic move is a gateway to fostering stronger ties between us. We must invest in cultural and human exchanges to build mutual understanding of our shared heritage, values, and traditions,” he noted.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, who accompanied the president, said the new relationship will be coordinated through Nigeria’s High Commission in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, pending the establishment of dedicated representation.
Tuggar added that stronger bilateral ties will allow Nigeria to collaborate more effectively with OECS and CARICOM nations on issues such as education, trade, and climate resilience.
This latest initiative forms part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to expand its diplomatic reach and strategic alliances across the Global South, aligning with President Tinubu’s goal of strengthening South-South cooperation.
