The Government of Saint Lucia has officially awarded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with its most prestigious national honour, naming him a Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL).
This recognition was announced on Monday through an update posted on the country’s official X account.
The announcement read, “The Government of Saint Lucia is pleased to announce that, the Governor General has conferred the title of Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL) upon H. E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
During his visit to the Caribbean nation, President Tinubu spoke before a joint sitting of the Saint Lucian Senate and House of Assembly. In his remarks, he noted that his visit was a step toward building stronger ties between Africa and the Caribbean region. He also said it was an effort to strengthen cooperation in areas that include economy, development, and shared cultural values.
“My visit to Saint Lucia is in keeping with the ideal of building the bridge between Africa and the Caribbean and creating a pathway to deepen economic ties and foster mutual cooperation. It also reflects our desire as a people to advance prosperity, sustainable development, and strengthen familial bonds,” he said.
President Tinubu also noted that Nigeria and Saint Lucia have long-standing connections shaped by history and shared aspirations.
He pointed out that his government plans to increase collaboration in sectors such as education, tourism, trade, investment, and cultural exchange. Additionally, he promised improvements in consular services for both Nigerian and Saint Lucian citizens.
The Saint Lucian government, in a separate statement, noted its intent to formalise diplomatic relations with Nigeria.
One of the key outcomes of this new relationship will be the introduction of a visa waiver for holders of diplomatic and official passports from countries in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
“Saint Lucia and the Federal Republic of Nigeria will establish a visa waiver arrangement for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS member states.
“Nigeria will provide scholarships to citizens of OECS member countries and extend the services of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (TAC) to OECS countries,” the country said.
