Tinubu Proposes Visa Waivers, Scholarships as Nigeria and Saint Lucia Formalize Diplomatic Ties

By Iyojo Ameh

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday announced the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, proposing a series of strategic initiatives aimed at deepening cooperation with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

Speaking at a special joint session of the Saint Lucian Senate and House of Assembly, held at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande in Gros Islet, President Tinubu described the diplomatic milestone as a “symbolic bridge” to strengthen ties between Nigeria and the Caribbean region.

In his address attended by leaders of Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Montserrat, Saint Martin, and Saint Vincent, President Tinubu proposed the creation of a Joint Commission or Political Consultation Agreement to formalize structured cooperation between Nigeria and OECS member states.

As part of efforts to enhance diplomatic relations, President Tinubu declared Nigeria’s readiness to offer visa waivers to holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS countries. He also urged OECS states to reciprocate the gesture to ease official travel and bolster institutional cooperation.

“I respectfully urge a reciprocal gesture to enable smoother movement of officials and foster closer institutional cooperation,” the President said.

He further announced the offer of full scholarships to OECS students in a bid to foster cultural exchange and educational collaboration.

Highlighting Nigeria’s role as Africa’s largest market, President Tinubu extended an invitation to OECS countries to deepen trade, investment, and commercial partnerships in agriculture, manufacturing, and services. He underscored his administration’s reform agenda aimed at driving sustainable economic growth.

“When I assumed the Office of the President of Nigeria in May 2023, my administration embarked on a series of economic, political, and social reforms… to put the country on the path of sustainable growth and development,” he said.

He added: “Nigeria’s vast natural resources and position as the largest market in Africa present significant opportunities for the OECS, both as a source of essential inputs and a growing export destination.”

President Tinubu also proposed collaborations between Nigerian and OECS maritime universities to strengthen technical capacity and promote long-term academic ties. He advocated for educational exchange programs and joint research initiatives, especially in the fields of health and maritime studies.

To further support regional development, the President announced Nigeria’s willingness to extend its Technical Aid Corps (TAC) programme to OECS nations, offering skilled professionals in education, healthcare, and engineering.

Acknowledging the existential threats posed by climate change to small island states, President Tinubu called for joint research on climate adaptation, sustainable agriculture, disaster preparedness, and migration issues linked to environmental challenges.

“By sharing research findings on climate impacts, adaptation strategies, and disaster risk management including a rise in sea level and outbreak of hurricanes we can deepen our understanding and enhance our collective resilience,” he said.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s Afrocentric foreign policy, President Tinubu emphasized the cultural and historical ties between Nigeria and the Caribbean, shaped by the transatlantic slave trade and colonial history. He called for renewed solidarity among peoples of African descent under the banner of Pan-Africanism.

“Nigeria has long stood at the vanguard of advocacy for the dignity and advancement of Black people worldwide,” he noted, citing the country’s anti-colonial efforts and leadership in the Pan-African movement.

He described Nigeria as a cultural and creative powerhouse, home to Nollywood, diverse cuisines, music, fashion, and literature assets he said resonate with the African diaspora.

Call for Unity

Concluding his address to over 300 dignitaries including OECS heads of government, diplomatic representatives, and the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia; President Tinubu invoked the words of Jamaican Pan-Africanist Marcus Garvey and an African proverb.

“‘Get organised and you will compel the world to respect you,’” he quoted Garvey, adding, “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.”