Tuesday, July 1, 2025
HomeNewsTinubu Woos East Caribbean States To Invest In Nigeria

Tinubu Woos East Caribbean States To Invest In Nigeria

News Investigators/ President Bola Tinubu has called on the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to take advantage of ‘Africa’s largest market’ and invest in Nigeria.

‎The President described Nigeria as a gateway to Africa’s booming market and urged the island nations to deepen trade, joint ventures and investment ties.

‎Tinubu made the call on Monday while addressing a special joint session of the Senate and House of Assembly of Saint Lucia.

‎This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.

Mr ‎Onanuga said that the President  advocated partnerships in agriculture, manufacturing, and services that would position Nigeria as both a supplier and a destination for OECS exports.

‎“When I assumed the Office of the President of Nigeria in May 2023, my Administration embarked on a series of economic, political and social reforms for sustainable growth and development.

‎“It is in line with this orientation and to explore areas of cooperation, that I decided to undertake this state visit to Saint Lucia.

‎“In this spirit, I wish to express Nigeria’s readiness to deepen cooperation with the OECS in mutual interest, including trade, investment, health, culture, education, and climate resilience,” Tinubu said.

‎He emphasised Nigeria’s vast natural resources and large consumer base as assets the OECS can leverage for exports and strategic partnerships.

‎“Together, we can leverage our respective strengths to attract investment, create jobs, and foster joint ventures that benefit both our peoples.”

‎The President used the occasion to formally announced the establishment of diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, calling it a “symbolic bridge” for deeper engagement.

‎“A symbolic bridge that will provide a gateway in fostering closer ties between both countries,” Tinubu added.

‎He proposed a Joint Commission or Political Consultation Agreement to serve as a structured framework for future cooperation.

‎To strengthen cultural ties, the presidential aide said that President Tinubu offered full scholarships to students from OECS nations to study in Nigeria.

‎“I respectfully urge a reciprocal gesture to enable smoother movement of officials and foster closer institutional cooperation.”

‎He announced Nigeria’s willingness to grant visa waivers for OECS diplomatic and official passport holders.

‎Tinubu also highlighted shared historical and cultural bonds between Nigeria and Caribbean nations rooted in African heritage and Pan-African ideals.

‎“Currents shaped by the transatlantic slave trade and colonial subjugation…out of which emerged a shared cultural identity, resilience, and aspiration.

‎“This occasion serves as a testament to the enduring ideals of Pan-Africanism…among peoples of African descent.”

‎He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to expanding ties with the OECS as a “cherished partner” in Africa’s broader global engagement.

‎“We remain committed to strengthening and expanding the enduring bonds of friendship that unite our regions.”

‎The President proposed a maritime university collaboration and the extension of Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps (TAC) to OECS countries.

‎“I strongly advocate for educational exchange programmes between Nigerian and OECS maritime universities to foster mutual understanding and academic collaboration.”

‎Addressing climate challenges, Tinubu called for joint research on disaster preparedness, sustainable agriculture, and adaptation strategies.

‎Reiterating Nigeria’s Afrocentric foreign policy, Tinubu underlined Nigeria’s legacy in Pan-African advocacy and support for global Black solidarity.

‎“Our foreign policy remains unapologetically Afrocentric.”

‎“Nigeria has long stood at the vanguard of advocacy for the dignity and advancement of Black people worldwide.

‎“This was evident from its strong opposition to colonialism and racial injustice, to its leadership in the Pan-African movement,” Tinubu said.

‎He highlighted Nigeria’s cultural richness in music, fashion, cuisine, Nollywood, and literature, calling it Africa’s creative heart.

‎According to Mr Onanuga, over 300 attendees, including diplomats, officials, and members of the Nigerian community, were present during Tinubu’s address.

NAN

RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Most Popular

Recent Comments