President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, at 5:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, marking the first leg of his two-nation tour of the Caribbean and South America.
Upon his arrival at Hewanorra International Airport, the Nigerian leader was welcomed with full military honours. He was received by the Governor-General of Saint Lucia, Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles, and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
According to a statement from his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu will formally begin his state visit on Sunday, June 30, with courtesy calls on both the Governor-General and Prime Minister Pierre.
As part of his official engagements, President Tinubu will address a special joint session of the Saint Lucian Senate and House of Assembly on Monday. The address is scheduled to take place at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande Resort, Gros Islet.
Dignitaries expected at the event include Heads of Government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), senior Saint Lucian officials, members of the diplomatic corps, the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia, and the Director-General of the OECS, Dr. Didacus Jules.
Following the parliamentary session, the President will host a high-level working luncheon with OECS Heads of Government to discuss enhanced cooperation between Nigeria and the Caribbean bloc. Talks will focus on strengthening economic partnerships, advancing cultural solidarity, and fostering shared prosperity.
In continuation of his visit, President Tinubu will tour the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries, with the aim of deepening educational ties and promoting academic exchange.
“President Tinubu’s visit underscores Nigeria’s commitment to building stronger diplomatic and economic relations with Caribbean nations, particularly under the African Union’s Sixth Region framework, which recognises the African diaspora as a key partner in Africa’s development,” Onanuga noted.
After concluding his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will travel to Brazil to attend the 17th BRICS Summit, scheduled for July 6–7, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro.
He will participate in the summit at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Nigeria is attending the summit as a partner country—a designation that offers greater engagement than guest status but falls short of full membership.
Current African members of BRICS include South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia.
The 2025 BRICS Summit will be held under the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” Key areas of focus will include boosting collaboration among Global South nations and forging BRICS partnerships to support social, economic, and environmental development.
