The Prime Minister says the delays are necessary to accommodate strict security protocols mandated for high-level officil visits.

Speaking to the nation, Prime Minister Pierre emphasised the importance of the visit while also extending an apology for the expected inconveniences.

“I just want to inform the public that there are going to be delays in traffic on the days that the president is commuting. We apologise for the delays that will be caused because of security arrangements that are mandated due to the level of the visit.”

He stressed that Saint Lucia must follow international protocol in hosting the head of state from Africa’s largest economy: “We have to afford the President of Nigeria all the protocols and security arrangements as demanded by international protocol. These are not optional.”

The Prime Minister added that the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force and the Ministry of External Affairs will provide a detailed schedule of the President’s movements in advance, supported by public service announcements to ensure the public is well-informed and can plan accordingly.

Pierre described the visit as strategically significant for Saint Lucia and the wider OECS region, emphasising the need to deepen ties with Africa.