"WE HAVE LONG ADVOCATED FOR THE DIGNITY AND ADVANCEMENT OF BLACK PEOPLE. OUR POLICY REMAINS UNAPOLOGETICALLY AFRO-CENTRIC," HE SAYS.

In a landmark moment for Saint Lucia-Nigeria relations, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, delivered a pioneering address to a Joint Sitting of Saint Lucia’s Parliament on Monday, June 30.

To a standing ovation, President Tinubu pledged robust bilateral cooperation in vital sectors including health, agriculture, trade, education, technology, the arts, climate resilience, sustainable development, and technical skills development.

His address was more than ceremonial — it raised the diplomatic bar and set a new tone for future engagement between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, as well as the wider OECS region.

“This occasion serves as a testament to the enduring ideas of Pan-Africanism and to the unyielding desire for unity and collaboration among peoples of African descent. It is in this context that I reaffirmed the OECS as a cherished partner of Nigeria.

"We remain committed to strengthening and expanding the enduring bonds of the friendship that unites us. Nigeria is the most populous nation on the African continent and the foremeost black nation globally. We have long stood and advocated for the dignity and advancement of black people the world over. This is evidenced by our strong position on colonialism and racial injustice. In the Pan-African movement, our policy remains unapologetically afro-centric. notably, Nigeria played an instrumental role in the establishment of the Organization of African Unity, now the African Union, which has since embraced the Caribbean and the broader diaspora as the sixth region of Africa."

Reaffirming the deep ancestral bond of the two nations, the president acknowledged the natural affinity between the peoples of Nigeria and the islands forming the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), emphasizing a shared legacy and mutual future.

“I wish to express Nigeria's readiness to deepen co-operation with the OECS in areas of mutual interest including trade, investment, heath, culture, education and climate resilience. Nigeria's vast resources and its position as the largest market in Africa presents significant opportunity for the OECS, both as a source of essential inputs and as a growing export destination. Together we can leverage our respective strengths to attract investments, create jobs, and start joint ventures that benefit both our peoples.”

The visit also marked a major diplomatic milestone: the Government of Saint Lucia formally established diplomatic relations with Nigeria and, in a historic evening ceremony on June 30, conferred upon President Tinubu the prestigious title of Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL). The honour recognizes President Tinubu’s leadership and commitment to strengthening ties between Africa and the Caribbean.

President Tinubu’s speech and the ceremonial honour signal a new chapter of mutual respect, opportunity, and partnership between the continent and the Caribbean diaspora. The President is due to conclude his visit on Friday, July 4.