Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Terrance Drew, has held talks with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at strengthening ties between the Caribbean and Nigeria.

The meeting focused on expanding cooperation in areas such as healthcare, trade and development, as both sides look to build on existing links.

Speaking after the discussions, Drew said collaboration with Nigeria has already produced tangible results for the Caribbean, particularly in the healthcare sector, where Nigerian professionals are working in St Kitts and Nevis.

“This collaboration has been tremendous. It has had a tremendous impact on the development and advancement of the Caribbean,” he said.

Drew also pointed to the historical and cultural connections between Nigeria and St Kitts and Nevis, referencing ties to Calabar. 

“This is our people… I always say, we have come back home,” Drew said as he reflected on the connection.

He said both countries have agreed to deepen engagement, including plans to appoint special envoys to help advance cooperation and ensure practical outcomes.

The St Kitts and Nevis Information Service said discussions between Drew and the Nigerian President focused on a wide range of priority areas aimed at strengthening cooperation and delivering real, measurable outcomes for citizens across both regions. 

Highlighting existing successes, Drew highlighted the growing presence of Nigerian professionals in St Kitts and Nevis, particularly within the healthcare sector. 

“A lot of Nigerians have studied in my country, and there are doctors here today, and we had a contingent of doctors who went to Saint Kitts and Nevis already, we are seeing some tangible benefits with respect to our collaboration,” he said. 

Now we are taking it to the next level, which we have agreed to. So there will be a special envoy to Saint Kitts and Nevis, and of course, we would have a special envoy here to further the collaboration and make sure that they are tangible benefits for both Saint Kitts and Nevis and the wider CARICOM and for Nigeria and the wider African continent.”

Drew, who also serves as Chairman of Caribbean Community (CARICOM), said strengthening Africa-Caribbean relations remains a priority, with a focus on translating historical ties into economic and development opportunities.