President Tinubu Embarks on Diplomatic Visit to Saint Lucia and Brazil, to Attend BRICS Summit.

By Caroline Ameh

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja today (Saturday), for a two-nation diplomatic mission to Saint Lucia and Brazil, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s international partnerships and advancing South-South cooperation.

According to an official itinerary, President Tinubu’s first stop will be in the Caribbean island nation of Saint Lucia, where he is scheduled to undertake a state visit designed to deepen Nigeria’s engagement with Caribbean countries and promote solidarity among nations of the Global South.

While in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will pay courtesy calls on the country’s Governor-General, His Excellency Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles, and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre. A major highlight of the visit will be his address to a special joint session of the Senate and House of Assembly of Saint Lucia. The session will take place at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom at the Sandals Grande resort in Gros Islet.

Also expected at the special parliamentary session are the Heads of Government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia, and the Director-General of the OECS, Dr Didacus Jules.

Following the parliamentary address, President Tinubu will host a high level working luncheon with the OECS Heads of Government. The meeting will focus on concrete steps to deepen cooperation between Nigeria and Caribbean nations, exploring avenues for shared prosperity through economic partnerships and enhanced cultural ties.

In a bid to boost academic and educational linkages, President Tinubu will also visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries, where discussions will centre on strengthening institutional partnerships and promoting student and faculty exchanges.

The visit reflects Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to fostering strong diplomatic and economic relationships with Caribbean countries, particularly under the framework of the African Union’s Sixth Region, which identifies the African diaspora as an integral component of the continent’s development agenda.

After concluding his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will proceed to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he will participate in the 17th Summit of BRICS, a grouping of emerging economies comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

Nigeria and Saint Lucia share diplomatic ties and are both active members of international organisations such as the United Nations, underscoring the significance of this diplomatic outreach.