CASTRIES, St Lucia (CMC) — Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Monday laid the “seeds of solidarity” with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) as Africa’s most populous state seeks to re-engage itself through closer socio-economic and cultural ties with the Caribbean.

The OECS groups the independent islands of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, St Kitts-Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Addressing a joint sitting of the St Lucia Parliament that was also attended by the leaders of the OECS sub-regional grouping, President Timbu said that his four-day official visit, should be regarded also as an effort to deepen the relationship between Nigeria and the wider OECS region in key areas such as culture, energy and finance.

“I am fully aware of the historic current that has bound us … shaped by the trans-Atlantic slavery, slave trade and colonial subjugation, but out of which emerged a shared cultural identity…and a legacy of aspiration.

“My presence here today symbolises Nigeria’s renewed commitment to re-engage with these enduring ties, recognising the strategic and emotional significance to all of us,” he said, noting the unyielding desire for unity and collaboration among peoples of African descent.

He said it is in this context that he is reaffirming the OECS as a “cherished partner” of Nigeria.

President Tinubu will hold discussions with the OECS leaders before his departure.

“My country holds a special place in the memory of the diaspora. Culturally, Nigeria is regarded as the continent’s creative heart with its rich array of ethnicities and globally celebrated traditions.”

Tinubu said when he assumed office in 2023, his administration embarked upon a series of policies aimed at putting the African country on a solid, sustainable growth and development and to explore areas of cooperation and collaboration between the OECS and Nigeria. He said that it is on this basis that he decided to visit St Lucia.

“It is in this spirit that I wish to express Nigeria’s readiness to deepen cooperation with the OECS in the areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, health, culture, education and climate resilience.”

He said enhanced trade and investment between the two regions hold great potential for shared prosperity.

“Nigeria’s vast mineral resources and its position as the largest market in Africa presents significant opportunities for the OECS both as a source of essential inputs and as a growing export destination.

“Together, we can leverage our expected strengths to attract investments, create jobs and foster joint ventures that benefit both our peoples. In advancing our shared development goals, I strongly advocate for educational exchange programmes between Nigeria and OECS.”

He said beyond maritime education, both regions should explore scientific initiatives, particularly in addressing human health challenges.  The Nigerian leader said equally important is tackling the threats posed by climate change.

He also advocated for more visits between “our peoples” adding that there should also be a reciprocal gesture to allow for “smoother” movement of government and other high officials from both regions.

“We will provide support for capacity-building effort across all sectors in your region,” he said, noting that Nigeria has formally established diplomatic relations with St Lucia.

“This diplomatic move is a symbolic bridge that will provide a gateway in fostering ties between us,” he said, urging that negotiations begin as soon as possible on the agreement of a joint commission on political consultation that will provide a structural platform to explore and advance cooperation across a broader range of mutually beneficial areas.

President Tinubu said he was nurturing the seeds of friendship and solidarity.

“We value this friendship and are determined to see it flourish in the spirit of brotherhood, shared history and vision of greater prosperity for our people,” he said, noting that in charting this course forward, he is reminded of a statement by the late Jamaican National hero, Marcus Garvey to get organised and you will get the world to respect you.

He said there is also an African proverb that states, “If you want to go fast, you go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

“Let us journey together,” he added.