The Caribbean nation of Grenada has unveiled plans to strengthen economic relations with Nigeria by introducing visa-free entry for Nigerian citizens and pursuing direct flight connections aimed at boosting trade, investment and tourism between both regions.
The country’s Honorary Consul in Nigeria, Bidemi Sonoiki, disclosed this during a media briefing in Lagos following an official visit to the island nation.
According to him, Grenada is positioning itself as a strategic gateway for Nigerian entrepreneurs, professionals and investors seeking business opportunities in the Caribbean and beyond.
Sonoiki explained that the planned visa-free regime, expected to commence in July, would remove travel barriers for Nigerians interested in exploring investment, education and commercial prospects in the country.
He noted that discussions were also ongoing to establish direct air links between Nigeria and the Caribbean within the next six months, describing the initiative as a major step towards deepening economic cooperation.
The envoy said easier access and improved connectivity would facilitate greater movement of people, goods and services while opening fresh opportunities for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.
According to him, sectors identified for immediate collaboration include healthcare, tourism, agriculture, agro-processing, logistics, financial technology, education, renewable energy and real estate.
He stressed that the opportunities are not limited to large corporations but are also available to small businesses, startups, skilled professionals and entrepreneurs seeking international expansion.
“We want Nigerians to view Grenada as more than a tourist destination.
It offers a stable business environment and serves as a platform for accessing wider Caribbean markets,” he said.
Sonoiki further revealed that bilateral relations between Nigeria and Grenada had expanded significantly since the establishment of the Grenadian Honorary Consulate in Lagos in 2022.
He said the growing partnership had led to stronger diplomatic engagements, increased private-sector collaboration and the creation of the Nigeria-Grenada Chamber of Commerce.
The consul noted that the relationship between both countries was gradually evolving from shared historical and cultural connections into a broader economic alliance centred on investment, innovation and sustainable growth.
Popularly known as the “Spice Isle” due to its global prominence in nutmeg and mace production, Grenada has diversified its economy in recent years through tourism, education, financial services and other emerging industries.
Sonoiki expressed optimism about the future of relations between the two countries, saying efforts were underway to create stronger platforms for investors and entrepreneurs to build partnerships that would generate long-term economic benefits.
He added that increasing engagement between Africa and the Caribbean presents a unique opportunity for Nigerian businesses to establish an early foothold in a region that is actively seeking deeper trade and investment ties with the continent.