President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to depart Nigeria for Saint Lucia on June 28, where he will engage in both official engagements and personal leisure time. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre during a pre-cabinet press briefing reported by St Lucia Times.

According to Prime Minister Pierre, the visit will be distinguished by two official days on June 30 and July 1, with the remainder of President Tinubu’s stay reserved for private vacation. Pierre emphasized the significance of this visit, describing it as a “unique and historic opportunity” to strengthen the ties between Africa and the Caribbean.

“As descendants of a shared heritage, our regions have deep links to the African continent, particularly Nigeria. These long-standing cultural and historical connections inspire us to nurture and expand our partnerships in meaningful, strategic, and sustainable ways,” he stated.

In anticipation of the trip, Pierre extended invitations to heads of government from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)—which includes Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines—to join President Tinubu for formal discussions during the official segment of his trip.

The anticipated discussions are expected to explore various avenues for cooperation in critical areas such as economic development, education, infrastructure, and diplomatic relations.

This upcoming visit to Saint Lucia follows President Tinubu’s two-week trip to Paris in April for a “short working visit.” Notably, it occurs against the backdrop of growing concerns in Nigeria regarding a recent surge in violence, which left nearly 200 individuals dead in Benue on June 14.

As President Tinubu sets forth on this diplomatic mission, the hope remains that it will pave the way for strengthened relationships and collaborative efforts between Nigeria and Caribbean nations.