Saint Lucia News

Hon. Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre issues statement on the Outcomes of the OECS Heads of Government meeting with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

by Office of the Prime Minister

THE HISTORIC MEETING BETWEEN OECS HEADS OF GOVERNMENT AND THE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA UNDERSCORED THE VALUE OF SOUTH-SOUTH COLLABORATION.

Saint Lucia had the honour of hosting the Heads of Government of the OECS for a high-level meeting with His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, KCOSL,President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.This was not just a ceremonial visit—it was a productive working session that led to clear, practical outcomes. It also marked a significant step forward in strengthening South-South cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean—two regions with shared histories and aligned development goals.

President Tinubu made several direct offers to the region:

  • Full tuition scholarships for OECS students to pursue higher education in Nigeria.
  • Deployment of Nigerian professionals across key sectors such as health, education, and engineering through the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps.
  • Visa waivers for OECS nationals with diplomatic and official passports, with encouragement for reciprocal arrangements.
  • Formal diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, with other OECS Member States expected to follow. A joint diplomatic mission is also under discussion.
  • A proposal to establish a Nigeria-OECS Joint Commission to guide and expand this new partnership.
  • Collaboration in education, maritime training, scientific research, and climate adaptation.

In response, the OECS Heads welcomed Nigeria’s proposals and highlighted areas of particular interest:

  • Reviving the Nigeria-OECS medical partnership to bring doctors and nurses to the region.
  • Expanding youth exchanges, including training in robotics, software, and innovation.
  • Deepening cultural and creative sector collaboration with a focus on export-ready Afro-Caribbean goods.
  • Improving air and maritime connectivity—including renewed discussions on the Black Star Line concept and direct air links via Nigerian carriers.
  • Targeted tourism marketing to Nigeria’s growing middle class.
  • Joint trade and investment promotion, including business forums and matchmaking between OECS entrepreneurs and Nigerian investors.

Both sides agreed to appoint lead representatives and technical working groups to follow through on this agenda.

This historic meeting between OECS Heads of Government and the President of Nigeria underscored the value of South-South collaboration—not as an abstract ideal, but as a practical tool for solving problems, building capacity, and unlocking opportunity. The ties between Africa and the Caribbean are not only historical—they are strategic.

Thank you.

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