Nigeria: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been recognized with the prestigious title of Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL), bestowed as the highest national honor by the Caribbean nation.
Reportedly, the Governor General’s office presented the award in recognition of President Tinubu’s leadership and commitment to regional and international cooperation.
The honor was conferred during official state visit of President of Nigeria – Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Caribbean Nation Saint Lucia, on June 30, 2025. There he engaged in diplomatic efforts to strengthen the ties between Nigeria and the Caribbean nation.
As per the sources, the award acknowledges efforts of President Tinubu in promoting regional collaboration and strengthening Africa-Caribbean relations.
Notably, the KCOSL is one of the most esteemed national awards of Saint Lucia, which is kept reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation or the international community.
This is a highly recognition that symbolizes respect and alliance between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, which highlights influence of President Tinubu on the global stage.
Considering this, President Tinubu also announced a new era of bilateral foreign interaction with Saint Lucia and the OECS with a view to enhance trade, education and climate resilience.
The announcement was made in a special joint sitting of June 30, 2025, at William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom in Sandals Grande, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia. President Tinubu described the development as symbolical bridging of the gap in a bis to foster closer cooperation between Nigeria and the Caribbean region with a view to entrenching position of Nigeria as a major regional stakeholder.
In his address, during his visit, President Tinubu proposed visa waivers for official OECS passport holders, a gesture that he believes will significantly improve the official travel and institutional cooperation.
He officially called on OECS nations to offer reciprocal measures that strengthen diplomatic and cultural relations. The proposal was met with enthusiasm from over 300 attendees, including OECS Heads of Government, as well as senior officials, and the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia, which marks a major step in the evolving relationship between Nigeria and the Caribbean.