Tinubu to visit Saint Lucia, attend BRICS Summit in Brazil

By Kunle Sanni –

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will, on Saturday, June 28, embark on a diplomatic tour of Saint Lucia and Brazil as part of ongoing efforts to deepen Nigeria’s engagement with the Caribbean and strengthen partnerships with countries of the Global South.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. According to the statement, President Tinubu will first undertake a state visit to Saint Lucia before proceeding to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to participate in the 17th BRICS Summit scheduled for July 6–7.

While in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu is expected to hold bilateral talks with the Governor-General, Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles, and Prime Minister Philip Pierre. A major highlight of the visit will be his address to a special joint session of the Saint Lucian Parliament, taking place at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet.

The event will bring together Heads of Government from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, the Nigerian diaspora, and the OECS Director-General, Dr. Didacus Jules.

During his visit, President Tinubu will also host a high-level working luncheon with OECS leaders, focusing on strengthening economic partnerships, fostering cultural solidarity, and expanding cooperation in key sectors. In addition, he will visit Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries to advance educational collaboration and academic exchange.

The visit aligns with the African Union’s Sixth Region framework, which recognises the African diaspora as a vital partner in Africa’s development. It is expected to further consolidate Nigeria’s ties with the Caribbean, particularly in areas such as youth empowerment, education, infrastructure development, and diplomatic cooperation.

Upon completing his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will travel to Brazil at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to participate in the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

Nigeria will participate in the summit as a “partner country,” a status that signifies deeper engagement than observer or guest levels, though short of full membership. Currently, South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia represent Africa as full members of BRICS.