Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made a significant two-nation diplomatic tour, departing Abuja on Saturday, June 28, 2025, for official engagements in Saint Lucia and Brazil. The visits sets Nigeria’s renewed commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation and its growing role on the global stage.
President Tinubu’s first destination has already arrived at the Caribbean island nation of Saint Lucia, where he will conduct a state visit aimed at deepening Nigeria’s engagement with Caribbean nations. During his stay, the President is scheduled to pay courtesy calls to the Governor-General, His Excellency Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles and Prime Minister Philip Pierre.
According to Mr Bayo Onanuga the President’s Spokesperson, a key highlight of the Saint Lucia visit will be President Tinubu’s address to a special joint session of the Senate and the House of Assembly at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet. This session is expected to draw a distinguished audience, including Heads of Government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia and the Director-General of O OECS, Dr. Didacus Jules.
Following the joint parliamentary session, President Tinubu will hold a high-level working luncheon with the Heads of Government of OECS. Discussions at this luncheon are anticipated to focus on specific parameters for deepening cooperation between Nigeria and the OECS, aiming for shared prosperity through economic partnerships and cultural solidarity. The President’s itinerary also includes a visit to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries, intended to foster educational ties and promote academic exchange.
This visit to Saint Lucia strongly emphasizes Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with Caribbean states, particularly within the framework of the African Union’s Sixth Region, which recognizes the African diaspora as a crucial partner in the continent’s development.
Nigeria and Saint Lucia share common ground through their membership in international organizations such as the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations, as well as a shared heritage rooted in African ancestry. The visit is poised to open new avenues for infrastructure development, educational cooperation, youth empowerment and diplomatic exchange.
Upon concluding his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will proceed to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to participate in the 17th BRICS Summit from July 6-7, 2025. He is attending the summit at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a testament to Nigeria’s elevated status as a ‘partner country’ within the BRICS framework – a category higher than that of a guest country, as has been the case previously.
South Africa, Egypt and Ethiopia are currently the African members of BRICS.
The 17th BRICS Summit is themed “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” Discussions will prioritize two critical areas: Global South Cooperation and BRICS Partnerships for Social, Economic, and Environmental Development.
President Tinubu will be accompanied by senior government officials on both visits, reflecting the importance Nigeria places on these strategic international engagements.
