Abuja, 27 June 2025 – President Bola Tinubu is set to embark on a significant diplomatic journey, departing Abuja on Saturday, 28 June 2025, for a two-nation state visit to Saint Lucia and Brazil. This visit underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with Caribbean nations and enhancing South-South cooperation.
The President’s first stop will be Saint Lucia, where he will pay a state visit aimed at deepening Nigeria’s engagement with Caribbean nations. He will be accompanied by Governor-General, His Excellency Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles, and Prime Minister Philip Pierre. A key highlight will be President Tinubu’s address to a special joint session of the Senate and the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet.
The visit will also include a high-level working luncheon with the Heads of Government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), following the joint session of the Saint Lucia Parliament. Discussions will focus on specific parameters to deepen cooperation between Nigeria and the OECS, promoting shared prosperity through economic partnerships and cultural solidarity.
Additionally, President Tinubu will visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries to strengthen educational ties and promote academic exchange. His itinerary also highlights Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with Caribbean states, particularly within the African Union’s Sixth Region framework, which recognises the African diaspora as an essential partner in the continent’s development.
However, critics argue that Tinubu’s foreign trips have not yielded any positive results for Nigeria, with the country’s foreign standing suffering since he assumed office. His fruitless travels, particularly to France and the UK, have shown no tangible benefits for the nation.
Following his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will proceed to Brazil to participate in the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro from 6-7 July 2025. He will attend the summit alongside the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, focusing on Nigeria’s status as a “partner country” – a membership category short of full status, higher than that of a guest country, as seen with South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia, the African members of BRICS.
The 17th BRICS Summit will centre on “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” Discussions will prioritise two key areas: Global South Cooperation and BRICS Partnerships for Social, Economic, and Environmental Development. Senior government officials will accompany President Tinubu on both visits.
