June 30, (THEWILL) — President Bola Tinubu has proposed visa waivers for holders of diplomatic and official passports from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States as part of Nigeria’s efforts to foster stronger ties with the region.
Tinubu made the offer on Monday while addressing a special joint session of the Senate and House of Assembly of Saint Lucia at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet.
His address coincided with the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.
Describing the new partnership as a “symbolic bridge,” Tinubu proposed a Joint Commission or Political Consultation Agreement to serve as a structured platform for cooperation between Nigeria and the OECS.
He said, “I respectfully urge a reciprocal gesture to enable smoother movement of officials and foster closer institutional cooperation.”
The Nigerian leader also announced full scholarships for students from OECS countries as part of efforts to promote cultural exchange and people-to-people engagement.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to building strategic and emotional connections based on shared African heritage and Pan-African ideals.
“My presence here today symbolises Nigeria’s renewed commitment to re-engage with these enduring ties, recognising their strategic and emotional significance,” he said.
The event was attended by leaders from across the OECS, including Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Montserrat, Saint Martin, and Saint Vincent.
Tinubu said Nigeria was ready to deepen cooperation with the Caribbean region in areas including trade, education, climate resilience, and culture.
He also called for joint ventures and deeper economic ties, offering OECS access to Africa’s largest market.
“Nigeria’s vast natural resources and position as the largest market in Africa present significant opportunities for the OECS, both as a source of essential inputs and a growing export destination,” he said.
To boost capacity-building, Tinubu proposed collaboration between maritime universities and an extension of Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps (TAC) programme to OECS countries.
He also pushed for agreements that would facilitate joint scientific research and exchange of skilled professionals in health, education, and engineering.
On climate change, Tinubu urged joint research initiatives to address issues such as sea level rise, hurricanes, and climate-induced migration.
“By sharing research findings on climate impacts, adaptation strategies, and disaster risk management, we can deepen our understanding and enhance our collective resilience,” he added.
Reiterating Nigeria’s Afrocentric foreign policy, Tinubu recalled the country’s leadership in the Pan-African movement and its strong ties to the global Black diaspora.
He declared, “Our foreign policy remains unapologetically Afrocentric.
“Nigeria, as the most populous Black nation globally, has long championed the dignity and progress of Black people everywhere.”
Quoting Pan-Africanist Marcus Garvey, Tinubu called for renewed unity and solidarity.
He stated: “Get organised and you will compel the world to respect you.”
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
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