Presidency Defends Tinubu’s Historic Visit to Saint Lucia as Gateway to Caribbean Ties, Culture, and Trade
Abuja, Nigeria — The Presidency on Sunday defended President Bola Tinubu’s landmark state visit to Saint Lucia, describing it as a strategic move to deepen Nigeria’s cultural, diplomatic, and economic connections with the Caribbean and the broader CARICOM bloc.
Amid public criticism and mixed reactions on social media, Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, issued a detailed statement titled “Why President Tinubu is on a State Visit to Saint Lucia,” clarifying the purpose and significance of the trip.
“In the wake of some Nigerians’ misguided, mischievous, and uninformed comments… it is necessary to clarify the purpose of the visit,” the statement began.
Rekindling Ancestral Bonds, Expanding South-South Cooperation
The Presidency said the visit rekindles Nigeria’s ancestral and strategic ties with Saint Lucia, a country whose roots—like many Caribbean nations—are deeply linked to West Africa, especially Nigeria.
“In the mid-19th century, immigrants from present-day Nigeria arrived in Saint Lucia, bringing cultural and religious practices that persist today,” the statement noted.
Onanuga said Saint Lucia was thrilled to welcome the Nigerian leader, viewing the visit as an opportunity to ignite a new era of diplomacy, culture, and trade between the two nations.
The visit also aligns with Nigeria’s Four D’s Foreign Policy Strategy: Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography, while advancing South-South cooperation.
Saint Lucia: A Strategic Caribbean Gateway
Saint Lucia is the headquarters of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and serves as a gateway to the 15-member CARICOM bloc, with a combined GDP of over $130 billion—a key focus area for Nigeria’s foreign trade and diplomatic expansion.
The Presidency cited historic ties, including the career of Sir Darnley Alexander, a Saint Lucian who served as Nigeria’s Chief Justice from 1975 to 1979. Recruited to Nigeria in 1957, Alexander rose through the legal ranks before becoming a key figure in Nigeria’s judiciary.
Other notable Saint Lucians with Nigerian connections include Neville Skeete, who helped design the Central Bank of Nigeria headquarters, and Michael Alexander, a frontline medic during the Nigerian Civil War.
Cultural Power and Diaspora Engagement
Tinubu’s visit also reinforces the African Union’s Sixth Region agenda, which recognises the African diaspora as an essential development partner.
“Our cultural exports—Afrobeats, Nollywood, and literature—are already influencing the Saint Lucian cultural scene,” the statement said, referencing the iconic Gros Islet Street Party, where Nigerian music now dominates.
On democratic alignment, the statement hailed Saint Lucia as a “natural ally” due to its stable parliamentary democracy and history of peaceful governance. A local broadcaster reportedly described President Tinubu as a “fighter for democracy” during his arrival.
Youth, Education, and Development Agenda
The visit also includes a stop at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College to explore educational partnerships, reflecting Tinubu’s focus on Nigeria’s youth population as a driver of innovation and transformation.
The Nigerian delegation includes members of the Technical Aid Corps, which deploys Nigerian professionals across Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries to provide technical services and build capacity.
As part of the itinerary, the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia will host a reception for the Nigerian community on the island, creating a platform for direct interaction with the President and further cementing bilateral ties.
A Rare Honour for an African Leader
Saint Lucia, which gained independence in 1979, has hosted fewer than 10 official state visits in its history. The last African head of state to visit was Nelson Mandela in 1998 during the 19th CARICOM Heads of Government Summit.
President Tinubu’s state visit to Saint Lucia is not just symbolic—it is a calculated diplomatic move designed to reconnect ancestral roots, expand economic partnerships, and strengthen Nigeria’s cultural and political influence across the Caribbean.