…Visit aligns with Nigeria’s foreign policy focus on diaspora

The Nigerian Presidency has clarified the purpose of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to Saint Lucia, describing it as a strategic engagement to deepen diplomatic, cultural, and economic relations with the Caribbean nation.

In a statement signed by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the presidency said the visit supports Nigeria’s “Four D” foreign policy framework Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography while also honouring historical and ancestral links with the island nation.

The government of Saint Lucia has also welcomed the visit, describing it as a historic moment that rekindles ancestral ties and opens a new chapter in Africa-Caribbean cooperation. 

The island, which has a population of African descent dating back to 19th-century migration from present-day Nigeria, has expressed excitement over the renewed connection.

The presidency reaffirmed the contributions of prominent Saint Lucians to Nigeria’s development, including Sir Darnley Alexander, who served as Nigeria’s Chief Justice from 1975 to 1979.

Born in Castries in 1920, Sir Darnley held several senior legal roles in Nigeria before his appointment to the Supreme Court. His son, Dr. Michael Alexander, also served as a military doctor in the Nigerian Army during the civil war.

Also, Neville Skeete, a Saint Lucian architect, was involved in designing the corporate headquarters of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Nigeria’s cultural impact was on full display ahead of Tinubu’s arrival, with Afrobeats and Nigerian music dominating the Gros Islet Street Party, one of Saint Lucia’s most famous weekly events. 

The presidency noted that this reflects the growing global footprint of Nigeria’s cultural exports, such as Nollywood and Afrobeats, across the Caribbean.

The highlight of the visit includes President Tinubu’s scheduled address to a special joint session of Saint Lucia’s Parliament, to be held at the Sandals Grande Conference Hall, a venue named after former U.S. President Bill Clinton.

He will also visit Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, where educational and technical partnerships are expected to be strengthened. Members of Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps (TAC)—professionals deployed to support development in other African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries—are part of his delegation.

As part of the itinerary, the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia will host a reception in honour of President Tinubu, where members of the Nigerian community will interact with the President and his delegation. 

The presidency noted that since Saint Lucia’s independence in 1979, the island has hosted fewer than 10 official state visits. The last African head of state to visit was President Nelson Mandela in 1998. 

President Tinubu’s 2025 visit is the first in 27 years and has been described as a rare and symbolic milestone.