President Bola Tinubu has announced his plans to improve Nigeria-Caribbean ties through visa waivers and full scholarships for students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
The Nigerian leader made this known while delivering an address during a joint session of the Saint Lucian Parliament in the presence of leaders from the OECS.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that leaders of Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, the Premier of Montserrat, Saint Martin, and Saint Vincent were present during the address.
In his speech, Tinubu maintained that the establishment of diplomatic ties with Saint Lucia is a necessary “symbolic bridge” to deepen cultural, economic, and diplomatic bonds.
Tinubu stated that the proposed new policy would ensure that citizens of OECS are eligible to apply for visa waivers and full scholarships for Caribbean students to study in Nigeria.
Tinubu also explained that as part of efforts to deepen the Nigeria-Caribbean ties, a Joint Commission or Political Consultation Agreement should be created.
According to him, the proposed commission would act as a mechanism for structured cooperation between Nigeria and the OECS. Tinubu also urged reciprocal gestures to facilitate smoother official travel and closer institutional cooperation.
He said: “Nigeria is open to exploring a visa waiver arrangement for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS countries travelling to Nigeria.
“I respectfully urge a reciprocal gesture to enable smoother movement of officials and foster closer institutional cooperation.
“Our goal should be to jointly develop solutions to shared challenges, particularly in health and environmental management.”
Recall that Tinubu is currently in St Lucian on a diplomatic visit. The President left Abuja last Saturday.
