President Tinubu Begins Diplomatic Tour in Saint Lucia, Set for BRICS Summit in Brazil

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday evening, kicking off a strategic diplomatic mission to bolster Nigeria’s ties with Caribbean and South American nations.

The President landed at Hewanorra International Airport at 5:30 p.m. local time, where he was accorded a ceremonial welcome by Saint Lucia’s Governor-General, His Excellency Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles, and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the presidency highlighted that the visit aligns with Nigeria’s efforts to deepen engagement with the African diaspora, as outlined in the African Union’s Sixth Region framework.

On Sunday, President Tinubu will pay courtesy visits to the Governor-General and Prime Minister Pierre. His itinerary includes a major address on Monday at a special joint session of Saint Lucia’s Parliament, hosted at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom in Sandals Grande, Gros Islet.

The event will bring together OECS leaders, senior government officials, diplomats, the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia, and OECS Director-General Dr. Didacus Jules. Later, the President will chair a high-level working luncheon with OECS heads of government, focusing on economic collaboration, cultural ties, and mutual development.

An additional stop at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries will explore academic partnerships and educational exchanges between Nigeria and Saint Lucia. President Tinubu will proceed to Rio de Janeiro for the 17th BRICS Summit (July 6–7) at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Nigeria’s participation as a ‘partner country’—a tier between observer and full member—reflects its growing influence in Global South alliances.

The summit, themed “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” will address socio-economic and environmental development strategies. Current African BRICS members include South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia.