Nigeria and Saint Lucia have partnered on community tourism and cultural exchange to promote grassroots development and economic empowerment.
As part of this partnership, the Caribbean nation will also provide expertise on certification standards and offer training for Nigerian hospitality professionals.
The initiative stems from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during President Bola Tinubu’s recent state visit to Saint Lucia. The agreement outlines collaboration in tourism development, investment promotion, and the advancement of cultural and creative industries.
A copy of the MoU, released by the Office of the Saint Lucian Prime Minister, Philip Pierre, highlights three key areas of focus: Tourism Development, Culture and Creative Industries, and Capacity Building.
Key Areas of Cooperation:
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Tourism Development: Saint Lucia will support the design of Nigeria’s Community Tourism Programme, provide training in hospitality, and share expertise in certification and tourism standards.
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Culture and Creative Industries: Nigeria will facilitate Saint Lucia’s participation in Lagos Fashion Week 2025. Both countries will promote cultural exchange through events such as the Saint Lucia Carnival and the Jazz & Arts Festival.
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Capacity Building: The two nations will collaborate on training in sound engineering, music production, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Also Read: Nigeria, Saint Lucia Sign Deal to Deploy Skilled Professionals
The MoU was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, and Saint Lucia’s Minister of Tourism, Dr Ernest Hilaire.
Although the initial agreement is for one year, it establishes a Joint Committee responsible for implementing a five-year strategic work plan with measurable outcomes.
This collaboration is seen as a significant step in strengthening South-South cooperation and advancing development between Africa and the Caribbean. It underscores a growing shift toward deeper, functional ties across both regions.
