NIGERIA: Tinubu Heads To Saint Lucia, Brazil In Push For Stronger Global South Ties

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja today for a two-nation diplomatic tour of Saint Lucia and Brazil, as part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to deepen ties with the Global South and strengthen South-South cooperation.

According to a statement from the State House on Friday, the President’s first stop will be Saint Lucia, where he is expected to reinforce Nigeria’s engagement with Caribbean nations and foster strategic partnerships in areas including education, diplomacy, and culture.

The statement noted: “The visit is expected to open new pathways for infrastructure development, educational cooperation, youth empowerment, and diplomatic exchange.”

While in Saint Lucia, the statement further noted that President Tinubu will pay courtesy calls on Governor-General Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles and Prime Minister Philip Pierre.

It added that Tinubu will address a special joint session of the island nation’s Senate and House of Assembly at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet.

A high-level working luncheon will also be held with Heads of Government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) after a joint parliamentary session.

The discussions, the State House revealed, will “focus on specific parameters to deepen cooperation between Nigeria and the OECS for shared prosperity through economic partnerships and cultural solidarity.”

President Tinubu will also visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries as part of efforts to promote academic exchange and institutional collaboration.

The statement added, citing the African Union’s Sixth Region framework, which recognises the African diaspora as an essential partner in continental development: “President Tinubu’s visit underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with Caribbean states.”

After completing his engagements in Saint Lucia, the President will proceed to Brazil to participate in the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to 7, 2025.

The summit will be held under the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.”

Discussions at the summit will prioritise “Global South Cooperation and BRICS Partnerships for Social, Economic, and Environmental Development.”

President Tinubu is attending at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, representing Nigeria as a partner country, a diplomatic status ranked higher than guest status but not full BRICS membership.

“The partner status is higher than that of a guest country, as has been the case in the past,” the statement explained, noting that South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia are current African members of BRICS.

The President will be accompanied on the tour by senior government officials.