Nigeria, Saint Kitts & Nevis to exchange special envoys to deepen bilateral, CARICOM ties
…as Tinubu hosts Saint Kitts & Nevis PM, Drew, in Abuja …move targets tangible gains in education, agriculture, cultural exchange …drew hails Tinubu’s leadership, says collaboration already yielding results From
...as Tinubu hosts Saint Kitts & Nevis PM, Drew, in Abuja
...move targets tangible gains in education, agriculture, cultural exchange
...drew hails Tinubu’s leadership, says collaboration already yielding results
From Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Prime Minister Terrance Michael Drew have agreed to exchange special envoys as part of efforts to deepen bilateral relations and ensure that existing partnerships deliver tangible benefits for both countries and the wider Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Drew disclosed this on Thursday while speaking to journalists after a courtesy visit to the President at the State House, Abuja, where both leaders reviewed ongoing collaborations and explored new areas of cooperation.
According to the Prime Minister, the decision to appoint special envoys in Abuja and Basseterre is aimed at strengthening implementation mechanisms for agreements already reached and expanding cooperation between Nigeria, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the broader African and Caribbean regions.
“We have agreed that there will be a special envoy to Saint Kitts and Nevis, and of course, we would have a special envoy here to further the collaboration and make sure that the tangible benefits for both Saint Kitts and Nevis and the wider CARICOM and for Nigeria and the wider African continent,” he said.
Drew, who described Nigeria as a “significant country” on the African continent and globally, commended President Tinubu for his leadership, openness, and commitment to strengthening Africa-Caribbean ties.
“It’s always a pleasure for me to be here in Nigeria. I was here last year around this time, and I’m back again, and I want to thank His Excellency, the President, who has been so gracious as a host,” he said.
Highlighting the historical and cultural connections between both nations, the Prime Minister noted that many citizens of Saint Kitts and Nevis trace their ancestry to Nigeria, particularly the Calabar region.
“This is our people. Our people in Saint Kitts and Nevis fundamentally came from Calabar here in Nigeria. So I always say we have come back home,” he added.
On areas of cooperation, Drew said discussions with President Tinubu covered cultural exchange, education, agriculture, food security, and broader development partnerships between Africa and the Caribbean.
He pointed to existing collaborations in the health and education sectors as early success stories, noting that Nigerian-trained professionals have contributed significantly to development efforts in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
“A lot of Nigerians have studied in my country, and they are doctors here today. We had a contingent of doctors who went to Saint Kitts and Nevis already. We are seeing some tangible benefits with respect to our collaboration, and now we are taking it to the next level,” he said.
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Thursday’s meeting builds on growing diplomatic momentum between Nigeria and Caribbean nations under President Tinubu’s administration.
In March 2025, Drew led a high-level delegation to Abuja for the Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit, marking a significant step in strengthening economic and cultural ties between Nigeria and CARICOM states.
President Tinubu also undertook a historic state visit to the Caribbean in late June 2025, primarily to the Island of Saint Lucia, where he engaged regional leaders and addressed parliament, signaling Nigeria’s renewed push to deepen engagement with the Caribbean.
The latest agreement to exchange envoys is expected to further consolidate these ties, providing a structured diplomatic channel to drive cooperation, monitor progress, and unlock new opportunities across both regions.
