President Bola Tinubu has proposed visa waivers for holders of diplomatic and official passports from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), as Nigeria and Saint Lucia formally established diplomatic relations.
He made the announcement on Monday while addressing a special joint sitting of the Senate and House of Assembly of Saint Lucia at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet.
The president emphasised the importance of people-to-people engagements and called on OECS nations to reciprocate Nigeria’s visa waiver proposal.
“I respectfully urge a reciprocal gesture to enable smoother movement of officials and foster closer institutional cooperation. My presence here today symbolises Nigeria’s renewed commitment to re-engage with these enduring ties, recognising their strategic and emotional significance,” Tinubu said.
He described the establishment of diplomatic relations as a “symbolic bridge that will provide a gateway in fostering closer ties between us”.
The address marked a significant moment in President Tinubu’s ongoing two-nation tour of the Caribbean and South America, which began with his arrival in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday.
During his speech, President Tinubu also proposed the creation of a joint commission or political consultation agreement to enable structured cooperation between Nigeria and the OECS.