The Presidency has clarified the purpose and significance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to Saint Lucia.
This is coming in the wake of some Nigerians’ misguided, mischievous, and uninformed comments regarding President Tinubu’s visit, the presidency said.
It said the visit is rekindling Nigeria’s ancestral and strategic ties with the Caribbean nation and the wider CARICOM bloc.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Sunday Sunday said the visit is deeply rooted in cultural, historical, and diplomatic imperatives that seek to reconnect Nigeria with its diaspora and expand South-South cooperation.
““This visit underscores President Tinubu’s dedication to building bridges with countries that share deep historical and ancestral connections with Nigeria. It also aligns with Nigeria’s foreign policy framework focused on Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography (the Four D’s),” Onanuga said.

“From the Saint Lucian perspective, the visit is seen as a rekindling of ancestral bonds. In the mid-19th century, immigrants from what is now Nigeria arrived in Saint Lucia, contributing significantly to the island’s cultural and religious heritage. Today, citizens of Saint Lucia are expressing excitement and pride in welcoming a Nigerian leader, viewing the occasion as a meaningful reconnection with their African roots,” he said.

“Saint Lucia, the headquarters of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and a key gateway to the 15-nation CARICOM bloc, with a combined GDP of over $130 billion, is an increasingly important partner in South-South trade and cultural exchange. Strengthening ties with such countries is a strategic move as Nigeria seeks to expand its influence and partnerships beyond traditional allies.
“The visit carries symbolic weight as well. President Tinubu will be the first African head of state to visit Saint Lucia since Nelson Mandela’s visit in 1998, making this one of fewer than ten official state visits since Saint Lucia gained independence in 1979.

“During his visit, President Tinubu is expected to address a joint session of the Saint Lucian Parliament at the Sandals Grande Conference Hall, a venue named in honour of former U.S. President Bill Clinton. The Nigerian president will also visit Sir Arthur Lewis Community College to underscore Nigeria’s commitment to educational collaboration and cultural exchange. Accompanying him are officials from Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps (TAC), who are involved in capacity-building efforts across Caribbean and African nations.”

“Cultural ties between the two nations have also been steadily growing. On the eve of the president’s arrival, Nigerian Afrobeats music dominated the airwaves during Saint Lucia’s iconic Gros Islet Street Party, a testament to the increasing cultural influence of Nigeria in the Caribbean.’
“Historically, figures of Saint Lucian origin have contributed significantly to Nigeria’s development. Most notably, Sir Darnley Alexander, born in Castries, served as Nigeria’s Chief Justice from 1975 to 1979. His son, Michael Alexander, also served in the Nigerian military during the country’s civil war.

“The visit will conclude with a special reception hosted by Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre at the official residence, where President Tinubu will meet with members of the Nigerian community on the island.

“The visit is widely seen as a reaffirmation of shared democratic values, both countries operate under parliamentary systems, and a renewal of pan-African cooperation, with Nigeria reaffirming its support for the African Union’s Sixth Region agenda, which recognises the African diaspora as a vital partner in development,” he added.