Tinubu: Nigeria open to visa waiver for diplomats, government officials from Eastern Carribean states

President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria is open to exploring a visa waiver arrangement for holders of diplomatic and official passports from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

The OECS comprises Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines—all small island states.

Tinubu spoke on Monday during a special joint session of the senate and the house of assembly of Saint Lucia, where he is currently on a state visit.

The event took place at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet.

Those who attended the joint session included the heads of government of the OECS, senior Saint Lucian government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia, and Didacus Jules, director-general of the OECS.

Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to deepening partnerships with Saint Lucia in key sectors, including trade, investment, health, culture, education, and climate resilience.

He stressed the importance of investing in cultural and human exchanges to build a mutual understanding of shared heritage, values, and traditions for future generations.

Tinubu said visa waivers would be a step in addressing the challenge.

“Beyond education, we must also encourage more frequent visits between our peoples, allowing them to experience firsthand the unique cultural attractions, and the historic sites that define our identities,” he told his OECS counterparts.

“In a concrete step towards this goal, Nigeria is open to exploring a visa waiver arrangement for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS members states travelling to Nigeria.”

“I respectfully urge a reciprocal gesture to enable smoother movement of officials and foster closer institutional cooperation.”

Tinubu also said Nigeria would deploy its Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) to the country to boost exchanges in health, education, agriculture, and other technical services to serve as models for broader Africa–Caribbean collaboration.

‘COMMENCEMENT OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS’

Tinubu’s statement came as he announced a commencement of diplomatic relations with Saint Lucia.

“This diplomatic move is a symbolic bridge that will provide a gateway in fostering ties between us,” he said.

The president urged both nations to formalise the agreement through the establishment of a framework created from political consultations.

Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, welcomed the anticipated formalisation of bilateral relations, noting that the Nigerian high commission in the Port of Spain currently provides interim diplomatic and consular coverage for Saint Lucia.

According to a statement issued by Alkasim Abdulkadir, the minister’s special assistant on media and communications strategy, Tuggar said official diplomatic ties would serve as a vital platform for enhancing bilateral and multilateral collaboration between Nigeria and Caribbean nations, particularly within the OECS and CARICOM frameworks.