Tinubu’s Historic Visit to Saint Lucia Rekindles Africa-Caribbean Ties

In a move seen as both symbolic and strategic, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently on a state visit to Saint Lucia, a Caribbean nation with deep-rooted ancestral ties to Nigeria and other African countries. The visit, which has drawn attention at home and abroad, marks a renewed commitment to strengthening diplomatic, cultural, and economic relations between Nigeria and the Caribbean.

While some Nigerians have raised questions about the rationale behind the visit, the presidency has defended it as a pivotal step in Nigeria’s evolving foreign policy agenda, which hinges on four core pillars: Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography.

According to the Saint Lucian government, President Tinubu’s presence on the island represents a homecoming of sorts, reconnecting the dots between Africa and its diaspora. Many Saint Lucians trace their heritage back to West Africa, particularly Nigeria, with cultural practices, traditions, and even religious beliefs rooted in that ancestry.

The island nation, which serves as the headquarters of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and a gateway to the 15-member CARICOM bloc, boasts a combined GDP of over $130 billion. With growing calls for deeper South-South cooperation, Tinubu’s visit comes at a time when economic and cultural diplomacy is gaining ground in Africa’s international relations strategy.

Beyond shared history, Nigeria and Saint Lucia have had notable linkages over the decades. One of the most prominent figures connecting both nations is the late Sir Darnley Alexander, a Saint Lucian-born jurist who served as Nigeria’s Chief Justice from 1975 to 1979. Also, Neville Skeete, a Saint Lucian architect, contributed to the design of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s headquarters.

President Tinubu’s visit is also seen as a celebration of Nigeria’s soft power. Nigerian music, especially Afrobeats, now dominates local parties in Saint Lucia, and Nollywood films are increasingly popular. These cultural exports, coupled with ongoing educational partnerships, continue to expand Nigeria’s influence across the Caribbean.

As part of his itinerary, President Tinubu is expected to visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, where issues of youth empowerment, education, and knowledge transfer will be addressed. Members of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (TAC), who provide technical support to ACP countries, are part of the official delegation.

The President will also engage with members of the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia during a special reception hosted by Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre. The event aims to further tighten bonds between the Nigerian diaspora and their country of origin.

Tinubu’s visit is only the second by an African Head of State since Nelson Mandela’s historic trip in 1998. He is also scheduled to address a special joint session of Saint Lucia’s bicameral Parliament at the Sandals Grande Conference Hall — a venue once graced by former U.S. President Bill Clinton.

For both Nigeria and Saint Lucia, this diplomatic engagement transcends protocol. It is a reaffirmation of shared history, mutual respect, and a forward-looking partnership built on people, culture, and prosperity.