President Bola Tinubu has proposed visa waivers for official passport holders from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) as Nigeria and Saint Lucia formally establish diplomatic relations. He made the proposal on Monday during a special joint session of Saint Lucia’s Senate and House of Assembly at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet.

The occasion marks a significant step in strengthening ties between Nigeria and the OECS, with President Tinubu describing the new relationship as a “symbolic bridge” to foster closer cooperation and unity.

To promote collaboration, Tinubu proposed creating a Joint Commission or Political Consultation Agreement between Nigeria and the OECS. He also announced full scholarships for students from OECS countries to foster cultural understanding and strengthen bonds between Nigeria and the Eastern Caribbean states.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to visa waivers for OECS diplomatic and official passport holders, urging a reciprocal arrangement. “I respectfully urge a reciprocal gesture to enable smoother movement of officials and foster closer institutional cooperation,” he said.

In his speech, Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate on trade, education, and climate resilience. He extended Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps programme to OECS countries, offering skilled professionals in education, healthcare, and engineering to support regional capacity-building.

The president invited OECS to explore economic opportunities in Africa’s largest market. He emphasised trade and investment partnerships in agriculture, manufacturing, and services, and called for joint ventures to boost job creation and economic growth. “Nigeria’s vast natural resources and position as the largest market in Africa present significant opportunities for the OECS,” he said.

He also proposed collaborations between Nigerian and OECS maritime universities, joint scientific research initiatives, and agreements for structured educational and research efforts.

Recognising the existential threats facing small island nations, Tinubu advocated joint research on sustainable agriculture, disaster preparedness, and climate-induced migration. “By sharing research findings on climate impacts, adaptation strategies, and disaster risk management, we can deepen our understanding and enhance our collective resilience,” he said.

Reiterating Nigeria’s Afrocentric foreign policy, Tinubu emphasised the cultural and historical ties between Nigeria and the diaspora. “Nigeria, as the most populous nation on the African continent and the foremost Black nation globally, has long stood at the vanguard of advocacy for the dignity and advancement of Black people worldwide,” he said.

He highlighted Nigeria’s contributions to global Black solidarity, its role in founding the African Union, and its leadership in the Pan-African movement. “Aside its demographic and economic prominence in Africa, Nigeria has a rich history of enduring contributions to the advancement of the Black race,” Tinubu added.

In closing, the President called for unity, quoting Marcus Garvey and an African proverb. “As we chart the course forward, I am reminded of the words of Marcus Garvey: ‘Get organised and you will compel the world to respect you.’ Likewise, an African proverb teaches us: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ Let us journey together, united in purpose and fortified by our common heritage,” he said.

The event was attended by leaders from Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Montserrat, Saint Martin, and Saint Vincent, as well as over 300 guests, including senior government officials, diplomats, and members of the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia.