President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has advised Nigerians living in Saint Lucia to be law-abiding and continue to serve as worthy ambassadors of their home country, promising to address some of the key concerns raised by the diaspora community through diplomatic means.
Speaking during a second interactive session with Nigerians on his state visit to the Caribbean nation, Tinubu said he was proud of the reputation Nigerians in Saint Lucia had built, noting that his hosts had spoken highly of their conduct.
“My plea to you all, continue to be of good behaviour, don’t break the law,” Tinubu said during the meeting held at the Windjammer Resort, where he was hosted.
The first session was held a day earlier at the official residence of Prime Minister Philip Pierre.
The meeting was organised by the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who praised the contributions of Nigerians to Saint Lucia’s development and urged them to maintain strong ties with Nigeria.
Several Nigerians, including professionals and students, shared their experiences and concerns.
President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Smart Duah, highlighted the high cost of obtaining a work permit, currently pegged at $2,500 annually, and called for Nigeria to establish a diplomatic mission in Saint Lucia, a request Tinubu said was already under consideration.
Also speaking, Nigerian priest Festus Iwuagwu said the large turnout at the meeting reflected the respect and admiration Nigerians have for the president.
Another attendee, paediatrician Olugbemisola Ogunlusi, who moved to Saint Lucia 19 years ago, expressed joy over Tinubu’s visit and commended his efforts to promote Nigeria abroad.
Reflecting on his own days as a student in the United States, Tinubu urged the community to remain diligent and focused.
“Life is about working hard and being consistent. For the professionals living here, our government will not abandon you. But you must work hard. It is our job to help you succeed,” he said.
The president also updated the diaspora on the state of the nation’s economy.
“We inherited a country that was near bankruptcy. But we have been able to rescue the economy. Nigeria has recovered. We have made the smuggling of our oil unattractive. We have stopped chasing forex papers at the Central Bank,” he said.
While acknowledging that Nigeria’s per capita income remains low, Tinubu assured his audience that efforts were underway to improve the situation.
