In a landmark diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening cultural, economic, and political ties between Africa and the Caribbean, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday commenced a historic state visit to Saint Lucia—his first to the Caribbean nation and the first by an African Head of State in 27 years.
By Chimezie Godfrey
In a landmark diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening cultural, economic, and political ties between Africa and the Caribbean, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday commenced a historic state visit to Saint Lucia—his first to the Caribbean nation and the first by an African Head of State in 27 years.
President Tinubu’s arrival at Hewanorra International Airport was met with full military honours and warm enthusiasm from Saint Lucian officials and citizens alike. The visit, according to the Nigerian presidency, is a vital step in rekindling ancestral bonds and expanding Nigeria’s foreign policy focus through cultural diplomacy and South-South cooperation.
“This is more than just a visit. It is a reconnection of bloodlines, shared histories, and mutual aspirations,” said Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. “Saint Lucia, like much of the Caribbean, has deep-rooted ties to Nigeria through ancestry, culture, and even nation-building.”
Highlighting the long-standing connections between the two nations, the presidency recalled the legacy of Sir Darnley Alexander—a Saint Lucian who served as Chief Justice of Nigeria between 1975 and 1979—as a testament to the enduring people-to-people ties. Another Lucian, Neville Skeete, was credited with contributing to the design of the Central Bank of Nigeria headquarters.
President Tinubu’s visit aligns with Nigeria’s “Four D’s” foreign policy thrust: Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography. The trip also supports the African Union’s Sixth Region framework, which recognizes the African diaspora as a key stakeholder in the continent’s development.
“This is a strategic diplomatic outreach,” Onanuga noted. “The Caribbean market, with over $130 billion in combined GDP across CARICOM states, is a vital frontier in Nigeria’s South-South trade agenda.”
During his visit, President Tinubu will address a special joint session of the Saint Lucian Parliament at the Sandals Grande Saint Lucian Conference Hall, a venue historically graced by global leaders, including former U.S. President Bill Clinton.
Local media and citizens have embraced the Nigerian leader with open arms. A commentator during live national television coverage referred to Tinubu as a “fighter for democracy,” referencing his prominent role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement.
The trip also underscores soft power diplomacy, with Afrobeats and Nigerian cultural expressions gaining prominence in Saint Lucia. “Afrobeats dominated the popular Gros Islet Street Party the Friday before the President’s arrival,” said a local cultural promoter, underscoring the global reach of Nigerian music and film.
President Tinubu is also scheduled to visit Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, where discussions on education partnerships will take place. The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (TAC) is part of the presidential delegation, further emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to development cooperation.
The Saint Lucian Prime Minister is expected to host a reception in honour of President Tinubu, which will include a direct engagement with members of the Nigerian community residing in the island nation.
President Tinubu’s visit is the first by an African leader since Nelson Mandela’s 1998 visit, marking it as a rare and significant diplomatic milestone in Saint Lucia’s post-independence history.
As Nigeria seeks to expand its global influence through diplomacy rooted in shared heritage, development, and mutual respect, this visit signals a renewed era of Africa-Caribbean solidarity.