“This is more than just a visa policy—it’s a doorway to increased opportunity for two regions with deep historical and economic links,” a senior official said.
President Bola Tinubu’s approval of visa-free entry for citizens of Saint Lucia marks a strategic shift in Nigeria’s foreign policy, aimed at strengthening South-South cooperation and economic diplomacy.
The waiver is expected to ease travel for tourism, business, education, and cultural exchange, deepening ties with Saint Lucia—a Caribbean nation that hosts the headquarters of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and a gateway to the $130 billion CARICOM market.
“This is more than just a visa policy—it’s a doorway to increased opportunity for two regions with deep historical and economic links,” a senior trade official said.
Experts note that removing visa restrictions could attract up to 122% more external investment, according to the World Bank. It also aligns with Nigeria’s long-term participation in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which aims to boost intra-African trade to over 50% by 2050.
The policy may serve as a blueprint for similar agreements with other nations, enhancing Nigeria’s global trade integration.