President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said Nigeria is open to exploring a visa waiver arrangement for holders of diplomatic and official passports from Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
Gatekeepers News reports that Tinubu made the statement on Monday during a joint session of the Senate and House of Assembly of Saint Lucia.
President Tinubu emphasised the importance of strengthening ties with OECS member states which include Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
The event, held at William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet, was attended by OECS heads of government, senior officials, members of the diplomatic corps, the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia, and OECS Director-General Didacus Jules.
Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Saint Lucia and other Caribbean nations in key areas such as trade, investment, education, health, culture, and climate resilience.
The president highlighted the need for greater cultural and human exchange to preserve shared values and heritage 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.”
“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 members states travelling to Nigeria.”
“I respectfully urge a reciprocal gesture to enable smoother movement of officials and foster closer institutional cooperation.”
