Saint Lucia has pledged to support Nigeria in developing a comprehensive community tourism programme aimed at driving grassroots economic empowerment and fostering local tourism growth.
The agreement forms part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during President Bola Tinubu’s recent state visit to Saint Lucia. It includes technical support on tourism certification standards, as well as training for Nigerian hospitality professionals to improve service quality in the tourism sector.
Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, who signed the MoU on behalf of the Nigerian government, described the deal as a new chapter in Africa-Caribbean relations.
“Nigeria has mastered the art of creative industry and culture, from Nollywood to music to storytelling. Saint Lucia, on the other hand, has perfected the tourism model,” she said.
“This collaboration allows us to exchange expertise and co-develop our capacities in both sectors.”
The MoU establishes joint cooperation in tourism development, investment promotion, and the growth of culture and creative industries. It highlights three core areas: Tourism Development, Culture and Creative Industries, and Capacity Building.
Under Tourism Development, Saint Lucia will help Nigeria design a community tourism programme, provide certification expertise, and deliver specialised training for hospitality workers.
On Culture and Creative Industries, Nigeria will support Saint Lucia’s participation in Lagos Fashion Week 2025, scheduled for October, and promote exchange through events such as the Saint Lucia Carnival and Jazz & Arts Festival.
In the area of Capacity Building, both countries will collaborate on training in sound engineering, music production, and cultural heritage preservation.
The initial one-year agreement establishes a Joint Committee to implement a five-year work plan with measurable outcomes.
Deputy Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture, and Information, Dr Ernest Hilaire, signed the MoU on behalf of his country.
The partnership marks a major milestone in South-South cooperation, aiming to create sustainable tourism opportunities, preserve cultural heritage, and promote inclusive economic development across Nigeria.
PIAK