Nigerians may soon be able to travel to the Caribbean island of Grenada without a visa, as the country says it has approved visa-free access for Nigerian travellers and is awaiting reciprocal action from the Federal Government.
Grenada’s Consul to Nigeria, Ambassador Abidemi Sonoiki, disclosed this during an interactive session with journalists, where he outlined plans to deepen trade, tourism and investment ties between both countries.
“I have a letter from Grenada’s foreign affairs authorities to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Grenada has approved free access for Nigerians, and we expect Nigeria to reciprocate the gesture,” he said.
Sonoiki said stronger diplomatic relations, improved air connectivity and increased commercial engagement could open up new opportunities for businesses and travellers in both countries.
He also disclosed that discussions were ongoing to establish a direct air link between Nigeria and Grenada, expressing optimism that a permanent airline route could commence within the next six months.
According to him, direct flights would strengthen tourism, trade and people-to-people exchanges between Africa and the Caribbean, where existing commercial relationships often depend on intermediary routes.
Grenada woos Nigerian investors
The consul described Grenada as a stable and investment-friendly destination, with a population of about 125,000 and opportunities across tourism, aviation, real estate, maritime services, education, agriculture and financial technology.
“Tourism remains the backbone of the economy. People visit Grenada for vacations, weddings, cultural events and education. It is a safe and attractive destination with enormous opportunities for investors,” he said.
He said Grenada was positioning itself as a gateway to the wider Caribbean market, which he put at about 46 million people, while Nigeria could serve as a strategic entry point for Caribbean businesses seeking access to African markets.
“There is no reason Africa and the Caribbean cannot trade directly. We want Nigeria to become the African hub and Grenada the Caribbean hub for increased economic cooperation,” Sonoiki said.
He particularly encouraged Nigerian investors to explore maritime and trans-shipment opportunities, noting the Caribbean’s reliance on shipping and logistics services.
Other areas he identified as offering investment prospects included banking, fintech, agriculture, culture, education and aviation.
Addressing concerns about capital flight, the consul said the initiative was intended to promote mutually beneficial investment rather than encourage Nigerians to move their wealth abroad. He added that appropriate legal and commercial frameworks would be required to protect investors.
Country seeks skilled Nigerian professionals
Sonoiki also said Grenada was interested in attracting skilled Nigerian professionals, including doctors, teachers, artisans and hospitality workers.
He clarified, however, that residency and employment opportunities remained subject to qualifications and existing immigration requirements.
“Grenada is not a place where people arrive without skills and expect opportunities to fall into place. You must have something to offer. The country values expertise and productivity,” he said.
While acknowledging the economic contributions investors could make, he said opportunities could also be available to middle-class professionals seeking legitimate employment and business ventures.
The consul added that the Nigerian community in Grenada was growing, particularly among students enrolled at St. George’s University and other institutions.
Sonoiki expressed confidence that stronger diplomatic engagement, direct flights and greater awareness of business opportunities would improve relations between the two countries.
“Trade, tourism, culture and education can become major drivers of cooperation between Nigeria and Grenada. The opportunities are there, and our goal is to build partnerships that will benefit both sides,” he said.