The Government of Saint Lucia has announced the itinerary for the official visit of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from June 28 to July 4.
According to Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, Janelle Modeste-Stephen, the week-long visit seeks to strengthen bilateral ties between Saint Lucia and Nigeria, while also deepening cooperation between Nigeria and the wider OECS region in key areas such as culture, energy and finance.
“It’s an opportune moment to work on these relations between the two countries,” said Modeste-Stephen. “Given the history between ourselves and Africa, it’s about time that we really push this forward.”
Tinubu is expected to arrive on Saturday, June 28, and will begin official engagements the following day with courtesy calls on the Governor General Sir Cyril Charles and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
A special joint sitting of the Senate and House of Assembly will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 30, at Sandals Grande. Tinubu, Pierre, the president of the Senate, and the speaker of the House are all expected to deliver remarks. That afternoon, a high-level working luncheon will bring together the Nigerian President and Heads of Government from OECS member states.
The day will conclude with an official reception at Government House, where both President Tinubu and the Governor General will address invited guests.
On Tuesday, July 1, President Tinubu will engage with students and faculty during a cultural and educational exchange at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. Later that evening, he will attend a private reception hosted by the prime minister, where members of Saint Lucia’s Nigerian community will have the opportunity to meet and interact with the president and his delegation.
Tinubu is expected to spend the final two days of his visit in private engagements before departing Saint Lucia on July 4.
Officials have advised the public to anticipate temporary traffic disruptions and road closures from June 28 to July 4 due to the scale of the visiting delegation, which is expected to include a convoy of at least 25 vehicles. A rehearsal-of-concept drill on Friday, June 27, may also cause delays along designated routes.
Traffic disruptions are expected along the Vieux Fort–Castries Highway, Nelson Mandela Drive, the John Compton Highway, Sir Julian R. Hunte Highway, Jeremie Street, Manoel Street, La Toc Road, Morne Road, the Morne Fortune area, Vigie and the Pigeon Island Causeway.
“We’re really asking that persons bear with us… it’s only for a few days and not all day,” said Modeste-Stephen. “There will be a few peak times during the day where there’ll be a little more traffic than usual.”
Additionally, both the George F.L. Charles and Hewanorra International Airports will experience a one-hour closure to accommodate security and logistical requirements related to the president’s arrival and departure. Tinubu is expected to arrive at Hewanorra International Airport and be transferred to Castries via helicopter.
The Government urges motorists and commuters to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes where possible.
