Most Enslaved Saint Lucians Traced to Nigeria, Strengthening Historic Ties Amid New Diplomatic Relations

In a historic affirmation of shared heritage, the President of the Saint Lucian Senate, Alvina Reynolds, revealed that a significant portion of Saint Lucia’s formerly enslaved population originated from Nigeria. Citing an 1815 British census, Reynolds disclosed that out of 16,282 enslaved people on the island, 3,488 were African-born, with 34% from Nigeria, 11% from Nigeria-Cameroon, and 22% from the Congo. The remaining enslaved population was born in Saint Lucia, mostly descended from ancestors from Senegambia and Nigeria.

Reynolds made these remarks while welcoming Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to a joint session of Saint Lucia’s bicameral parliament on June 30, 2025. She described President Tinubu’s visit as a historic milestone and a rekindling of the mission to reunite Saint Lucians with their African homeland and foster collaboration between the two peoples.

The legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, spanning more than 350 years, was highlighted as the foundation of the unbreakable historical and cultural link between Africa—especially Nigeria—and the Caribbean. Reynolds also paid tribute to Sir Darnley Alexander, a Saint Lucian who became Nigeria’s Chief Justice from 1975 to 1979, underscoring the deep personal and institutional connections between the two nations.

Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre echoed these sentiments, describing Saint Lucia as “a small fragment of Africa” with an indelible Nigerian genetic and cultural connection. He emphasized the contributions of the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia across healthcare, religion, cuisine, tourism, and social development, welcoming Nigerian professionals and investors to deepen these ties further.

The visit also marked the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, with President Tinubu and Prime Minister Pierre agreeing to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, education, and culture. Tinubu described the relationship as a “bridge between Africa and the Caribbean,” and announced initiatives such as scholarships for OECS students and visa waivers for diplomats to enhance people-to-people exchanges.

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Prime Minister Pierre highlighted the popularity of Nigerian Afrobeats music, Nollywood films, and literature by authors like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie among Saint Lucian youth, signaling a cultural renaissance linking the two regions. He also proposed partnerships in creative industries, sports, fintech, renewable energy, and healthcare, including an upcoming agreement for Nigerian medical personnel to support Saint Lucia’s healthcare system.

The joint parliamentary session was attended by dignitaries from across the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), reinforcing the broader regional significance of this renewed Africa-Caribbean partnership.

This historic visit and the unveiling of shared ancestry underscore a new chapter of collaboration and cultural reconnection between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, rooted in a profound and enduring legacy of history, resilience, and mutual respect.