Olu Allen
In a season of national strain, where inflation outpaces wages, insecurity prowls the highways, and civil servants wait endlessly for unpaid benefits, the President’s absence for an honorary ceremony in St. Lucia raises legitimate questions.
With no clear diplomatic or economic deliverables announced, many Nigerians are left questioning the trip’s urgency and relevance.
Yes, St. Lucia, a small Caribbean nation with a GDP of $2.4 billion, less than Ekiti State’s $2.9 billion. Its economy thrives on tourism, bananas, and a modest oil transshipment facility.
For context, Benin’s GDP is $19 billion; Togo’s, $9.1 billion. St. Lucia’s entire economic output is barely $2.4 billion. So, what exactly is Nigeria’s President seeking there?
Let’s assume, optimistically, that Nigeria captures 100% of St. Lucia’s import trade due to this visit—that’s still under $600 million in potential trade with a nation of fewer than 200,000 people.
On the chessboard of global diplomacy, this is not a strategic gambit, it’s a peripheral move at best.
Symbolism, too, falls short. St. Lucia does not offer visa-free entry to Nigerians—unlike Barbados, Dominica, or Haiti.
So, while our President is welcomed with ceremonial keys, Nigerian citizens still face barriers to entry. Is this reciprocity? Or are we majoring in the minor, with due respect to St. Lucia’s people?
Now, let’s grant that leadership isn’t solely about economics. Diplomacy, soft power, and cultural ties matter. But even these must align with national priorities and timing.
And right now, Nigeria is not well.
Terror attacks persist. Soldiers are dying. The Naira stumbles. Electricity remains epileptic. University students face another looming ASUU strike.
Meanwhile, the news shows the President accepting honors 7,000 kilometers away, far from the frontlines of Nigeria’s crises.
Four days away from critical national issues at this time raises questions about prioritization, especially when the tangible benefits remain unclear.
If this is a working visit, where are the signed MoUs, the trade pacts, or the strategic partnerships? If it’s a private trip, Nigerians deserve honesty, not ambiguity.
Leadership is not about photo-ops or personal accolades, it’s about stewardship.
When Aliko Dangote visits a remote distributor, it’s to strengthen supply chains, a clear commercial purpose. Shouldn’t we hold our President to at least the same standard of measurable outcomes?
If the goal is diplomatic engagement, why not prioritize nations where Nigeria has strategic interests, ECOWAS partners, African economic hubs, or key Global South allies?
St. Lucia, while a valued member of the international community, does not address Nigeria’s immediate security or economic needs.
The President’s time belongs to Nigeria. In moments of national strain, leadership must be felt where it matters most, here at home, where the people await solutions, not symbolism.
If this trip is essential, let its benefits be transparent. If it is discretionary, let honesty prevail.
Because Nigeria’s healing cannot wait for ceremonial keys from distant shores.
Allen is a writer and educator who resides in Kano. He writes on public affairs, promote good governance.
