Castries, Saint Lucia – June 24, 2025
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre is calling on citizens to exercise patience and understanding as Saint Lucia prepares to host Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for an official state visit from June 28 to July 4—an unprecedented milestone in Caribbean-African relations.
In a national address, Prime Minister Pierre acknowledged that the President’s island-wide movements will necessitate elevated security measures, likely causing intermittent traffic delays. “There are going to be delays in traffic on the days that the President is commuting,” he stated. “We’re very sorry. We apologize for the delays that will be caused because of security arrangements that are mandated due to the level of the visit.”
Highlighting the importance of adhering to global diplomatic standards, Pierre emphasized that such protocols are non-negotiable. “We have to afford the President of Nigeria all the protocols and security arrangements as demanded by international protocol,” he explained.
To minimize disruption, the Ministry of External Affairs will issue timely public service announcements and detailed notices outlining President Tinubu’s travel schedule. “It’s important that the public knows so there are no surprises,” Pierre added.
The state visit will include bilateral talks, OECS regional consultations, and official ceremonies. Prime Minister Pierre hailed the occasion as a “historic opportunity” to advance Caribbean-African ties, especially given Saint Lucia’s deep ancestral links to Nigeria. The visit is expected to open doors for long-term collaboration in trade, infrastructure, education, and diplomacy.
While temporary disruptions may test public patience, the Prime Minister urged Saint Lucians to view the occasion as a moment of pride on the world stage. “This visit represents a unique and historic opportunity to deepen the bonds between Africa and the Caribbean,” he affirmed.
