President Bola Tinubu will on Saturday, June 28, begin a two-nation trip to Saint Lucia and Brazil, focusing on strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic ties with the Caribbean and reinforcing its role in the Global South.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the visit to Saint Lucia is aimed at expanding South-South cooperation and enhancing Nigeria’s engagement with Caribbean nations.

While in Saint Lucia, Tinubu is scheduled to meet with Governor-General Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles and Prime Minister Philip Pierre. He will also address a special joint session of the country’s Senate and House of Assembly at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet.

The visit will include a working luncheon with leaders of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), where discussions will centre on advancing economic and cultural cooperation between Nigeria and member states of the regional bloc.

President Tinubu will also visit Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries, a move seen as part of efforts to build academic partnerships and promote educational exchange.

Nigeria’s engagement with Saint Lucia, Onanuga noted, reflects its broader commitment to strengthening ties with the African diaspora, in line with the African Union’s Sixth Region initiative, which recognises the diaspora as a key stakeholder in Africa’s development.

After concluding his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will proceed to Brazil to take part in the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to 7.

Nigeria is participating in the summit as a ‘partner country’—a designation that grants it more access than guest status, though it does not yet hold full BRICS membership. Only South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia currently represent Africa as full members.

The 2025 summit will explore ways to enhance cooperation among countries in the Global South, with a focus on inclusive governance and sustainable development across economic, social, and environmental sectors.

The President will be accompanied by senior government officials on both legs of the trip.