The Presidency has responded to criticism surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's state visit to Saint Lucia, describing the trip as historic and rooted in cultural, historical, and diplomatic imperatives.
According to Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the visit aims to reconnect Nigeria with its diaspora and strengthen South-South cooperation.
Saint Lucia has strong ancestral ties to Africa, particularly Nigeria, with many cultural and religious practices still thriving today. The visit seeks to deepen ties with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which has a combined GDP of over $130 billion, and enhance South-South cooperation in a time of global uncertainty.
“Citizens of Saint Lucia are excited that President Tinubu has chosen to visit the island. They long to strengthen their bonds with African nations with which they share ancestral links,” the statement said.
The statement also recalled the notable contributions of Saint Lucians to Nigeria’s development. Most prominent among them is Sir Darnley Alexander, a Saint Lucian-born jurist who served as Nigeria’s Chief Justice from 1975 to 1979. His son, Michael, also served Nigeria as a medical doctor in the Nigerian Army during the civil war. Another Lucian, Neville Skeete, was part of the architectural team that designed the Central Bank of Nigeria headquarters.
The trip aligns with the African Union's Sixth Region agenda, recognizing the African diaspora as a strategic partner for development. President Tinubu's visit is only the second official state visit by an African leader to Saint Lucia since its independence in 1979.
President Tinubu’s visit is anchored in Nigeria’s “Four D’s” foreign policy framework: Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography. The trip aligns with the African Union’s Sixth Region agenda, which identifies the African diaspora as a strategic partner for development.
Emphasizing democracy as a shared value, the Presidency noted that Saint Lucia, like Nigeria, is a stable parliamentary democracy. During the live coverage of President Tinubu’s arrival at Hewanorra International Airport, a local commentator described him as a “fighter for democracy,” referencing his long-standing pro-democracy credentials.
The President’s planned visit to Sir Arthur Lewis Community College and the inclusion of Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (TAC) officials in his delegation demonstrate a commitment to education and knowledge-sharing across the African and Caribbean regions.
President Tinubu will deliver an address to a special joint session of Saint Lucia's bicameral parliament. The President will meet with members of the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia during a special reception hosted by the Saint Lucian Prime Minister.
The Presidency described the visit as a “rare and historic diplomatic milestone”, signaling Nigeria’s renewed commitment to forging deeper connections with the global African diaspora.
