By Adenike Lawal
Nigeria has announced plans to waive visa requirements for diplomatic and official passport holders from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), as part of a broader push to deepen Afro-Caribbean relations.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made the declaration during his state visit to Saint Lucia, where he addressed a special joint session of the country’s Senate and House of Assembly.
The visa waiver is one of several strategic initiatives aimed at fostering long-term collaboration between Nigeria and the seven OECS member states; Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
“This visit is not just symbolic; it is a bridge to deeper engagement,” President Tinubu said. “Nigeria is committed to strengthening people-to-people, cultural, and economic ties with the OECS.”
Tinubu proposed the establishment of a Joint Commission or Political Consultation Agreement to formalize cooperation across key sectors such as trade, education, healthcare, climate resilience, and cultural exchange.
He also pledged to extend Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps programme to the Eastern Caribbean, providing skilled Nigerian professionals to assist in developmental areas.
As part of its educational outreach, Nigeria will offer full scholarships to students from OECS nations, a move President Tinubu described as an investment in shared prosperity and knowledge exchange.
During bilateral talks with Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to formalizing diplomatic ties and expanding cooperation in tourism, maritime education, and creative industries.
Tinubu also highlighted Nigeria’s readiness to serve as a key economic partner, citing the country’s ongoing reforms and its strategic value as Africa’s largest economy.
“Together, we can drive investment, create jobs, and promote mutual growth,” he said, noting that cultural diplomacy and visa facilitation are central to Nigeria’s foreign engagement strategy.
The OECS leaders warmly received the initiatives, describing them as a welcome step toward stronger South-South collaboration.
Tinubu’s visit marks a renewed push for Afro-Caribbean solidarity, anchored in shared history and a vision for collective advancement.
