The Federal Government is toying with the idea of establishing direct flights between Nigeria and St. Lucia as part of broader efforts to deepen bilateral relations with the Caribbean nation.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Friday, Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture, and Tourism, said discussions between Nigeria’s Ministry of Aviation and corresponding ministries in St. Lucia have reached an advanced stage.
She said the lack of direct access between both countries has posed challenges to engagement, emphasising that the proposed route to St. Lucia is envisioned as a gateway to a wider Caribbean market of 44 million people.
“One of the things that was on the table is accessibility. The fact that I had to go around the world in less than 30 days to get to St. Lucia was a problem in and of itself,” she said.
According to Musawa, Nigeria currently lacks a national carrier, pointing out that the private sector remains active and could fill the vacuum after Air Peace launched direct flights to Brazil.
“If we have an enabling environment that allows even the private sector to flourish in the aviation sector, that is a route that we are empowering Nigerians in terms of eventually getting to a national carrier.”
“Many people ask why St. Lucia? After all, its population is under 200,000 — almost the size of my village,” she said. “However, St. Lucia is the gateway to the Caribbean, which is 44 million people in terms of population and counting… And this is 13 countries.”
She also described St. Lucia as a strategic hub, noting that it hosts the headquarters of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.
Addressing broader diplomatic goals, Musawa said the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s ambition to strengthen links with regions that share African heritage.
She added that at a time when Nigerians face difficulties obtaining visas to many destinations, partnerships with more receptive countries present an opportunity to expand Nigeria’s cultural reach.
Musawa further revealed that both countries are discussing potential investment in hospitality infrastructure.
“Discussions are already underway to collaborate with the country on developing resorts within Nigeria,” she said.
She highlighted potential cultural synergies between the two countries, citing Nigeria’s Calabar Festival and “Dirty December” events, as well as St. Lucia’s jazz festivals and carnivals. According to her, demand for Nigerian content, including Nollywood films, is growing in the Caribbean.
On the creative economy, Musawa disclosed that Nigeria has secured €100 million from the French Treasury to establish animation, design, and creative hubs across the six geopolitical zones. The funds will be administered through a newly created creative and tourism corporation designed to bypass bureaucratic delays.
She also confirmed that her ministry has obtained $200 million from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to support a creative economy development fund.
