President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to depart Abuja on Saturday, June 28, for official visits to Saint Lucia and Brazil, in a strategic diplomatic mission aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ties with the Caribbean and broader Global South.
According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the visit will reinforce Nigeria’s engagement with Caribbean nations, deepen South-South cooperation, and boost international partnerships.
President Tinubu’s first stop will be Saint Lucia, where he will pay a state visit.
His itinerary includes high-level meetings with Governor-General Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles and Prime Minister Philip Pierre, as well as other top officials.
A major highlight of the visit is the President’s scheduled address to a special joint session of the Saint Lucian Parliament, comprising the Senate and House of Assembly, at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet.
Dignitaries expected to attend include:
Heads of Government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS),
Senior officials from both countries,
Members of the diplomatic corps,
Nigerian diaspora in Saint Lucia,
Dr Didacus Jules, Director-General of the OECS.
Following the address, President Tinubu will host a high-level luncheon with OECS leaders, where discussions will focus on advancing economic partnerships, cultural exchange, and development cooperation between Nigeria and the Caribbean bloc.
The President is also scheduled to visit Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries to promote educational collaboration and student exchange programmes.
The visit aligns with the African Union’s Sixth Region framework, which formally recognizes the African diaspora as an integral partner in the continent’s growth.
Saint Lucia, like many Caribbean nations, shares deep ancestral and historical ties with Africa.
After wrapping up engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will travel to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to attend the 17th BRICS Summit from July 6 to 7, 2025.
He will participate at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, marking Nigeria’s first attendance as a partner country, a designation higher than observer status but below full membership.
The summit will revolve around the theme:
“Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.”
Deliberations are expected to centre on:
Enhancing Global South unity,
Building resilient economies,
Fostering social and environmental development through BRICS-led initiatives.
Notably, African countries South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia are current BRICS members, and Nigeria’s participation signals growing strategic alignment with emerging economies.
President Tinubu will be accompanied by senior government officials on both legs of the trip.
