Nigeria Pledges Climate Solidarity with Saint Lucia, Targets Disaster Risk, Funding Gaps
By Umar Farouk Bala
Nigeria has pledged to support Saint Lucia in confronting shared climate challenges, especially in areas of adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and access to global climate finance.
This commitment was made during a high-level bilateral meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, OON, and Saint Lucia’s Minister for External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation, and Diaspora Affairs, Honourable Alva Romanus Baptiste.
The meeting, held as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to Saint Lucia, focused on deepening diplomatic and development ties between both nations, anchored on historical, cultural, and pan-African solidarity.
Ambassador Tuggar emphasized that Nigeria recognizes the unique vulnerabilities faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Saint Lucia and is committed to working closely with the Caribbean nation on sustainable climate strategies.
He noted that climate adaptation, disaster risk preparedness, and equitable access to climate funding must be central to Africa–Caribbean cooperation going forward.
“Both our countries are impacted by global environmental shifts and economic instability,” Tuggar said.
“Nigeria is ready to champion the concerns of Saint Lucia and other SIDS on key multilateral platforms like the United Nations, the Commonwealth, and AU–CARICOM engagements.”
The Foreign Minister also proposed enhanced collaboration between Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) and Saint Lucia’s Political and Economic Cooperation Development Division, focusing on the deployment of Nigerian professionals in health, education, and technical fields.
He called for joint capacity development initiatives and the expansion of education diplomacy through scholarships, exchanges, and research partnerships.
Trade and investment also featured prominently in the discussions, with Nigeria expressing readiness to explore opportunities in tourism, agriculture, renewable energy, ICT, and manufacturing.
Minister Baptiste welcomed the partnership, describing Nigeria as a “strategic ally” whose support could play a vital role in Saint Lucia’s efforts to mitigate climate risks and promote economic resilience.
Umar Farouk Bala is a serving NYSC corps member serving at PRNigeria Centre Abuja. He can be reached at: [email protected]
