Tinubu Pushes Visa-Free Travel Deal with Eastern Caribbean Bloc
President Bola Tinubu has said Nigeria is open to a visa waiver arrangement for holders of diplomatic and official passports from member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
Tinubu announced on Monday during a special joint session of the Saint Lucian Senate and House of Assembly, held at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet, as part of his state visit to the country.
“In a concrete step towards this goal, Nigeria is open to exploring a visa waiver arrangement for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS member states travelling to Nigeria,” Tinubu said.
“I respectfully urge a reciprocal gesture to enable smoother movement of officials and foster closer institutional cooperation.”
The OECS comprises Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Tinubu also emphasised the importance of stronger cultural and people-to-people exchanges to promote shared heritage.
“Beyond education, we must also encourage more frequent visits between our peoples, allowing them to experience firsthand the unique cultural attractions and the historic sites that define our identities,” he said.
He further announced Nigeria’s deployment of its Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) to Saint Lucia and the formal commencement of diplomatic relations with the island nation.
“This diplomatic move is a symbolic bridge that will provide a gateway in fostering ties between us,” Tinubu added.
