Tinubu set for official visits to Saint Lucia, Brazil

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to depart Abuja on Saturday, June 28, 2025, for official visits to Saint Lucia and Brazil, in a diplomatic move aimed at deepening Nigeria’s international partnerships and expanding South-South cooperation.

The announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who outlined the objectives of the trip.

The first leg of the visit will see President Tinubu arrive in Saint Lucia for a state visit. This engagement is part of his administration’s broader effort to strengthen ties with Caribbean nations and promote cultural, economic, and diplomatic collaboration within the global South.

Following his stay in Saint Lucia, the President will proceed to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he is expected to participate in the 17th BRICS Summit.

While in Saint Lucia, the President is expected to hold courtesy meetings with Governor-General Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles and Prime Minister Philip Pierre.

“A key highlight of the visit will be President Tinubu’s address to the special joint session of the Senate and the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet,” Onanuga said.

He added that the event will be attended by regional leaders from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), top officials, members of the diplomatic community, Nigerian citizens residing in Saint Lucia, and Dr Didacus Jules, Director-General of the OECS.

Following the joint parliamentary session, the President will join OECS heads of government for a high-level working luncheon.

“Discussions at the luncheon will focus on specific parameters to deepen cooperation between Nigeria and the OECS for shared prosperity through economic partnerships and cultural solidarity,” Onanuga stated.

The itinerary also includes a visit to Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries, where President Tinubu aims to foster educational collaboration and encourage academic exchanges between institutions.

This diplomatic outreach is part of Nigeria’s effort to expand its presence within the African Union’s Sixth Region, which formally recognises the African diaspora as an important partner in the continent’s advancement.

Nigeria and Saint Lucia maintain shared affiliations through organisations like the United Nations and the Commonwealth, and both countries are united by a deep-rooted African heritage.

The visit is expected to pave the way for new partnerships in infrastructure, youth engagement, academic initiatives, and cultural diplomacy.

After concluding his visit to Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will head to Rio de Janeiro for the 2025 BRICS Summit, scheduled for July 6–7.

He will be attending the summit at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Nigeria has been invited as a “partner country,” a diplomatic recognition that goes beyond observer or guest status, though it does not amount to full membership.

Currently, South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia are the African members of the BRICS bloc.

The summit’s central theme is “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” with discussions focusing on collaborative strategies for economic, social, and environmental development across the Global South.

President Tinubu will be accompanied by senior officials from his administration on both legs of the trip.