The joint session, held at Sandals Grande, was attended by Heads of Government and Ministers from across the OECS.

President Tinubu used the occasion to outline a vision of deeper cooperation between Africa and the Eastern Caribbean, with education, mobility, and technical exchange forming key pillars of the partnership.

Among the most notable announcements was the provision of fully funded scholarships for students from OECS countries to attend universities in Nigeria.

“I will establish full scholarship tuition for students of OECS,” the Nigerian leader declared, adding that cultural and student exchanges would help to promote economic and cultural understanding between the regions.

President Tinubu also revealed that Nigeria is open to exploring a visa waiver arrangement for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS member states.

“I respectfully urge a reciprocal gesture to enable smoother movement of officials and foster closer institutional cooperation,” he said.

Another major initiative is Nigeria’s readiness to extend the services of its Technical Aid Corps to OECS nations. The program would see Nigerian professionals deployed across the region to support capacity-building efforts in a variety of sectors.

Highlighting the symbolic and strategic importance of the growing relationship, President Tinubu announced that Saint Lucia and Nigeria have now formally established diplomatic relations.

“This diplomatic move is a symbolic bridge that will provide a gateway in fostering ties between us,” he said.

To further consolidate bilateral ties, President Tinubu recommended the initiation of negotiations for a formal joint commission or political consultation framework, designed to deepen cooperation in mutually beneficial areas.