President Bola Tinubu has expressed Nigeria’s openness to exploring a visa waiver arrangement for holders of diplomatic and official passports from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
Persecondnews reports that this move aims to facilitate smoother travel and foster closer institutional cooperation between Nigeria and OECS member states.
Tinubu made this announcement on Monday during a state visit to Saint Lucia, where he addressed a joint session of the country’s Senate and House of Assembly.
The OECS comprises seven small island states, including Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
The Nigerian leader noted the importance of investing in cultural and human exchanges to build a mutual understanding of shared heritage, values, and traditions for future generations.
He said: “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.”
Tinubu urged OECS member states to consider a reciprocal gesture, enabling smoother movement of officials and fostering closer institutional cooperation.
He added: “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 member states traveling to Nigeria.”
This move is expected to enhance bilateral relations and facilitate cooperation in key sectors, including trade, investment, health, culture, education, and climate resilience.
The President also announced the commencement of diplomatic relations with Saint Lucia, describing it as a symbolic bridge that will provide a gateway in fostering ties between the two nations.
He urged both nations to formalize the agreement through the establishment of a framework created from political consultations.
Tinubu’s statement was amplified by Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, who reiterated that official diplomatic ties would serve as a vital platform for enhancing bilateral and multilateral collaboration between Nigeria and Caribbean nations.
As part of efforts to boost cooperation, Nigeria will deploy its Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) to Saint Lucia to enhance exchanges in health, education, agriculture, and other technical services.
This initiative is expected to serve as a model for broader Africa-Caribbean collaboration, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between the two regions.
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