Tinubu to depart Abuja for Saint Lucia, Brazil’s trips

President Bola Tinubu will leave Abuja on Saturday, June 28, 2025, for official visits to Saint Lucia and Brazil, marking a renewed push in strengthening Nigeria’s international partnerships.

According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the first leg of the trip will take the Nigerian leader to Saint Lucia for a state visit. This stop is part of broader efforts to enhance Nigeria’s ties with Caribbean nations and bolster South-South cooperation.

After completing his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will travel to Brazil to participate in the 17th BRICS Summit scheduled to take place in Rio de Janeiro.

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.