BRICS: President Tinubu embarks on State visit to Saint Lucia
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Saturday, June 28, 2025, depart Abuja for a high-level diplomatic mission to Saint Lucia and Brazil, signaling a renewed push for stronger South-South cooperation and deeper engagement with the African diaspora.
The President’s first stop will be the Caribbean island nation of Saint Lucia, where he will embark on a historic state visit to foster closer ties with the Caribbean region. The visit forms part of Nigeria’s strategic outreach to nations with shared African heritage, as championed under the African Union’s Sixth Region initiative.
While in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu is scheduled to meet with the Governor-General, His Excellency Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles, and the Prime Minister, Hon. Philip Pierre. A major highlight of the visit will be his address to a special joint session of the Saint Lucian Parliament, taking place at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet.
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The occasion will be attended by top Caribbean leaders, including Heads of Government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), senior Saint Lucian officials, diplomatic corps, Nigerian nationals residing in the country, and the Director-General of the OECS, Dr. Didacus Jules.
Following his parliamentary address, President Tinubu will hold a high-level working luncheon with OECS leaders to discuss opportunities for stronger economic collaboration, infrastructure development, cultural solidarity, and youth empowerment between Nigeria and the Eastern Caribbean region.
In a further effort to promote academic and cultural exchange, President Tinubu will also visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries, where discussions will focus on educational partnerships between institutions in Nigeria and Saint Lucia.
The President’s engagements in Saint Lucia underscore Nigeria’s commitment to forging strong alliances with Caribbean nations, with emphasis on shared values, mutual development goals, and historical ties rooted in African ancestry.
After concluding his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will head to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he is scheduled to participate in the 17th BRICS Summit taking place from July 6 to 7, 2025.
President Tinubu will attend the summit at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, under Nigeria’s new status as a BRICS “partner country”—a significant elevation from previous “guest country” roles. The summit will convene under the theme: *”Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.”*
Key focus areas at the BRICS meeting include enhancing economic development, fostering social cooperation, and promoting environmental sustainability across member and partner nations. Nigeria’s participation in the summit reflects growing recognition of its regional leadership and global strategic importance.
The President will be accompanied by senior government officials throughout both legs of the trip.
