Nigeria and Saint Lucia sign historic deal to deepen tourism and cultural ties
Landmark MOU signals renewed Africa-Caribbean cooperation during President Tinubu’s visit to Saint Lucia
CASTRIES, Saint Lucia (MNTV) — Nigeria and Saint Lucia have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance collaboration in tourism, creative industries, and economic development, marking a major step forward in Africa-Caribbean relations.
The agreement was signed during Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official state visit to the Caribbean nation. It establishes a framework for joint efforts in tourism development, cultural exchange, and capacity building in the creative economy.
“This is the dawn of a new era,” said Nigeria’s Minister of Tourism, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa. “It’s not just a diplomatic move—it’s a cultural reconnection between two regions with shared heritage and immense creative potential.”
Under the MOU, Saint Lucia will offer Nigeria technical support in community tourism, hospitality training, and destination management. In return, Nigeria will contribute its expertise in music, film, and fashion, opening doors to co-productions, artist collaborations, and training opportunities.
The two nations also plan to showcase their cultural strengths through joint participation in high-profile events like Lagos Fashion Week and the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival. Training programs in music production, sound engineering, heritage preservation, and artisanal crafts are set to launch as part of the collaboration.
Saint Lucia’s Minister for Tourism, Culture, and the Creative Industries, Dr. Ernest Hilaire, called the agreement a “formal reconnection” between peoples with shared ancestry. “We’re not just building economic bridges,” he said. “We’re rebuilding historical ones.”
The agreement will be overseen by a Joint Committee, with a five-year work plan to guide implementation. While the MOU is initially valid for one year, both sides have committed to long-term engagement.
The partnership reflects a broader movement within the Global South to foster unity and inclusive growth. By pairing Nigeria’s creative capital with Saint Lucia’s tourism expertise, both countries aim to create new opportunities for youth, stimulate cultural innovation, and strengthen South-South cooperation.
Planning is already underway for youth exchanges and co-developed creative projects, as both governments look to turn the agreement into meaningful action.
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