President Bola Tinubu’s Saint Lucia visit has triggered debates among Nigerians questioning its benefit to national interests.
During the state visit, Saint Lucia awarded Tinubu the Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL).
Despite this honour, critics argue the Tinubu Saint Lucia visit offers little strategic or economic value for Nigeria’s economy.
Prominent financial analyst Kalu Aja described the trip as symbolic rather than a move with measurable economic impact.
Mr Aja noted Saint Lucia’s GDP stands at $2.4 billion, which is smaller than Nigeria’s Ekiti State at $2.9 billion.
He said, “The Tinubu Saint Lucia visit might secure headlines, but won’t significantly shift trade or economic priorities.”
According to Aja, Saint Lucia’s economy mainly relies on tourism, banana exports, and minor oil transhipment operations.
He stated, “Even if Nigeria gains 100% of Saint Lucia’s import trade, that’s still below $600 million annually.”
Mr Aja also pointed out that Saint Lucia doesn’t offer Nigerians visa-free access, unlike other Caribbean nations.
“The Tinubu Saint Lucia visit lacks reciprocal mobility benefits for Nigerians, even at the diplomatic travel level,” he added.
Critics believe the president’s handlers struggled to communicate a strong economic rationale for the diplomatic engagement.
Many Nigerians feel the president’s foreign trips must align directly with pressing domestic economic and governance challenges.
Observers expect future state visits to prioritize substantial trade, investment, or security cooperation over ceremonial optics.
Analysts suggest clearer communication and transparent outcomes could make state visits more defensible to Nigerian taxpayers.
Tinubu’s team has yet to respond to rising public concerns surrounding the relevance of the Saint Lucia trip.
The visit remains a topic of discussion, with some viewing it as prestige-driven rather than performance-oriented leadership.
Citizens continue urging the administration to focus on tangible benefits from international relations, not just honours.
The presidency earlier clarified that the state visit to Saint Lucia, is to strengthen strategic economic and diplomatic ties between both countries. Saint Lucia had also indicated interest in Mr Tinubu’s visit with warm reception, conferment of second highest national honour, and joint session parliamentary address. This, is another proof of significance of the president’s visit.
“I get it; not everything is business and economy. However, the President’s time is precious. His economy back home is stalling, and insecurity is on the rise. What’s strategic about a Nigerian President flying miles to St. Lucia on the taxpayers’ dime to visit a high school and talk to their parliament?” Mr Aja asked.
“This is like Dangote visiting a cement distributor in my small village in Ohafia, sure, it’s marketing, but Dangote’s time as a CEO is professionally managed
“The only way this makes any sense is if it’s a holiday, but that again is a separate topic, which the handlers are running away from,” he added.
