Nigeria to establish formal diplomatic relations with Saint Lucia

President Bola Tinubu and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre have committed to establishing formal diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.

Both leaders according to a statement issued by the spokesman of the president, Chief Bayo Onanuga, discussed ongoing efforts toward this goal during Tinubu’s courtesy visit to the Prime Minister at his official residence in Castries on the second day of the Nigerian leader’s State Visit to the Caribbean nation.

President Tinubu appreciated the hospitality extended to him and his delegation since their arrival, describing Saint Lucians as “valued friends and brothers.”

He acknowledged the enduring connections shaped by a shared past and the collective resilience of both regions, highlighting the historical and cultural ties between African and Caribbean peoples.

“Our two nations are bound by history, culture, and common aspirations. We are determined to nurture and expand this relationship,” President Tinubu said.

President Tinubu noted that ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral engagement would lay the foundation for enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, education, and cultural exchange while improving consular services for citizens of both nations.

“This is a bridge between Africa and the Caribbean, a pathway to deepen economic ties and foster mutual understanding. It reflects our desire to advance prosperity, solidarity, and sustainable development.”

President Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with Saint Lucia on global issues of mutual concern, including climate change, disaster response, and development financing. He affirmed Nigeria’s support for the priorities and perspectives of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in international fora.

Prime Minister Pierre acknowledged the productive discussions between the two countries’ Ministers of Foreign Affairs and expressed optimism about the future of bilateral ties.

“There is an air of enthusiasm and optimism about the future of relations between our countries,” he said.

Reflecting on Saint Lucia’s longstanding connection to Nigeria, Prime Minister Pierre recalled:

“Saint Lucia’s small size did not prevent it from offering one of its finest talents to the post-independence development project of Nigeria in the person of Sir Darnley Alexander, as Nigeria’s fourth Chief Justice between 1975 and 1979.”

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