Saint Lucia’s Minister for External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs, Alva Baptiste, has confirmed that the government is wasting no time in moving forward on a framework for deeper cooperation with Nigeria, following the official state visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“In my hands right now is a proposed agreement that is going to the required chambers so that we are able to sign as far as practicable various provisions for our country… very, very soon,” Baptiste said, signalling Saint Lucia’s intent to quickly transform diplomatic dialogue into action.
“This is similar to what I said prior to the president’s address that the central focus of this moment is to introduce elements in our relations with Africa we have been pursuing for years,” he added. “A state visit signals with clarity that a country is prepared to engage in broader cooperation, greater understanding, and of course, the shared values as we cooperate on common objectives of humanity.”
Baptiste was speaking in the wake of a landmark address delivered by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to a joint sitting of Saint Lucia’s Parliament on Monday, marking the first time an African head of government has addressed the body.
President Tinubu’s visit, which began Saturday evening, is part of a wider initiative to strengthen relations between Nigeria and members of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). According to the Office of the Prime Minister, the trip aims “to pave the way for the rekindling of ancestral bonds, igniting a new era of diplomatic, economic and cultural possibilities between Saint Lucia and Nigeria”.
During his address, Tinubu proposed educational and cultural exchange programmes, trade and investment collaboration, and scholarships for Saint Lucian students, aligning with Saint Lucia’s goal to have a university graduate in every household. He also called for visa waivers for diplomatic and official passport holders, urging Saint Lucia to reciprocate.
“As one who feels a profound kinship with our shared African heritage,” Tinubu said, “I am fully aware of the historic current that has bound us together… but out of which emerged a shared cultural identity, resilience and a legacy of aspiration.”
The Nigerian leader was formally conferred with one of Saint Lucia’s highest honours – Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL)—during a state function at the Governor General’s official residence. He will now be accorded the honorary title of Sir Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Baptiste expressed the government’s full alignment with the president’s message.
“There is no doubt in my mind that we are going to proceed with light and rapidity to do just that.”
