By Ebi Kesiena
The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has appealed to Nigeria to strengthen diplomatic and technical cooperation, with a particular focus on the development of its culinary industry, sustainable energy, and technical expertise exchange.
Foreign Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Denzil Douglas, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, in Abuja on Thursday.
Douglas, a former Prime Minister of the Caribbean nation, described the visit as part of efforts to rebuild stronger ties with Africa and Nigeria in particular. He noted that despite his country’s relatively young independence, attained in 1983, it is committed to deepening cooperation in areas of shared interest.
“We would like to establish opportunities to exchange technical support in energy, engineering, and cultural sectors. In particular, we are keen to partner with Nigeria to develop our culinary arts by learning from your rich food culture,” Douglas said.
The minister also pointed to the need for improved travel and transit arrangements to enhance people-to-people connections. “Reliable travel links between our nations will allow citizens of both countries to benefit from cultural exchange, trade, and tourism,” he added.
In his response, Minister Tuggar emphasized the historic bond between Africa and the Caribbean, underscoring Nigeria’s long-standing support for the region.
“Nigeria has always regarded the Caribbean as part of our extended diaspora,” Tuggar said. “Since 1987, through our Technical Aid Corps, we have been sending doctors, engineers, lecturers, and other professionals to Caribbean and Pacific nations at no cost. This is how we sustain our ties.”
Looking forward, Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with St. Kitts and Nevis not only in culinary arts and technical exchanges but also in trade and connectivity. He stressed the importance of establishing regular flights and expanding commerce as global trade barriers tighten.
“It is time for Africa and the Caribbean to hold hands and build a shared future,” Tuggar said, assuring that Nigeria would support St. Kitts and Nevis in growing its culinary sector as part of broader cultural and economic cooperation.
