President Tinubu Returns To Abuja After A Two-Week Diplomatic Mission To Saint Lucia And Brazil.
President Bola Tinubu arrived back in Abuja on Saturday night, concluding a productive two-week diplomatic mission to Saint Lucia and Brazil. The Nigerian leader’s trip, which began on 28 June 2025, aimed to strengthen Nigeria’s global partnerships and deepen ties with the Caribbean and South America, marking another milestone in his administration’s foreign policy agenda.
The first leg of the journey saw President Tinubu make a historic state visit to Saint Lucia, a Caribbean nation rarely visited by world leaders. Over six days, he engaged in high-level discussions with Saint Lucian officials, including Governor-General Cyril Errol Charles and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre. A significant outcome was the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, a first for Nigeria within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). This move is expected to foster collaboration in trade, education, tourism, and culture, aligning with the African Union’s Sixth Region agenda to reconnect with the African diaspora.
During his time in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu addressed a joint session of the Saint Lucian Senate and House of Assembly, a rare honour for a foreign leader. His speech emphasised unity and commercial partnerships between Africa and the Caribbean, referencing Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott’s call to reclaim shared histories. The visit also saw the announcement of scholarships for OECS students to attend Nigerian universities and a visa waiver for diplomatic passport holders, laying the groundwork for deeper ties. Additionally, Tinubu met with the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia, addressing their concerns, including the high cost of work permits, and pledged to establish a diplomatic presence in the country.
The Nigerian leader was conferred the prestigious title of Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (K.C.S.L.), recognising his efforts to strengthen Africa-Caribbean relations. The visit, described as a diplomatic landmark, was further highlighted by a Technical Manpower Assistance agreement, enabling the deployment of skilled Nigerian professionals to Saint Lucia.
Following his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu travelled to Rio de Janeiro to attend the 17th BRICS Summit from 6 to 7 July, at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. As a partner country, Nigeria used the platform to advocate for a reformed global governance system, focusing on equity and inclusion for developing nations. Discussions with Brazilian counterparts centred on energy cooperation, agricultural innovation, and investment opportunities, aligning with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for sustainable development.
Upon his return to the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, Tinubu was welcomed by key government officials, including the Minister for Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. The Presidency, through Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, described the trip as a significant step in advancing Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic influence.
The successful mission has sparked optimism about Nigeria’s growing role on the global stage, with commendations from international partners, including Taiwan, which praised Tinubu’s efforts to enhance Nigeria’s international standing. As the administration continues to prioritise South-South cooperation, the outcomes of this trip are expected to yield long-term benefits for Nigeria and its partners.
