NIGERIA: Don’t Break The Law, President Tinubu Warns Nigerians In Saint Lucia

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians living in Saint Lucia to remain law-abiding and continue to be good ambassadors of their home country.

“My plea to you all: continue to be of good behaviour, don’t break the law,” the President said while addressing Nigerians on Wednesday at the Windjammer Resort in Saint Lucia.

According to the statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the President’s warning came during his second meeting with members of the Nigerian community in the Caribbean nation.

The engagement was organised by the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

The first interaction was held on Tuesday night at the official residence of Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre, while the follow-up took place at President Tinubu’s residence.

Speaking to professionals and students of Nigerian descent, President Tinubu praised their conduct, saying his hosts in Saint Lucia had commended the positive contributions of Nigerians in the country.

He encouraged them to remain focused, work hard, and stay consistent. “Life is about working hard, being consistent,” he said, while sharing personal stories from his student days in the United States.

He also assured them that his administration would not abandon Nigerians abroad. “For the professionals living here, our government will not abandon you. But you must work hard. It is our job to help you succeed,” Tinubu said.

The President addressed several issues raised by members of the Nigerian community, including the high cost of work permits and the absence of a Nigerian diplomatic presence in Saint Lucia.

Smart Okeudili Duah, President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), said a work permit currently costs \$2,500 annually and called for the establishment of a Nigerian diplomatic mission in the country — a move Tinubu pledged to pursue diplomatically.

Dr. Olugbemisola Ogunlusi, a Nigerian paediatrician who moved to Saint Lucia 19 years ago, said President Tinubu’s visit had lifted the spirits of Nigerians and rekindled pride in their identity. She thanked the President for engaging with the community.

President Tinubu also used the occasion to highlight some of his administration’s achievements. He said Nigeria’s economy was near collapse when he assumed office but is now on the path to recovery.

“We inherited a country that was near bankruptcy. But we have been able to rescue the economy. Nigeria has recovered,” he said.

He pointed to efforts to curb oil smuggling and reform foreign exchange management at the Central Bank of Nigeria as part of the ongoing economic stabilisation.

The meeting ended on a warm note, with the President receiving a gift portrait made by Doris, a Nigerian medical student and artist living in Saint Lucia.