St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Cultivates Strategic Development Partnerships with Key Nigerian Leaders

The African-Caribbean Investment Summit 2025 (AACIS 25), held in Abuja, Nigeria, provided a platform for fostering stronger economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean. St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, capitalized on this opportunity, not only participating in the summit but also engaging in a series of strategic bilateral meetings with key Nigerian business leaders and political figures. These meetings underscored Prime Minister Drew’s commitment to strengthening development partnerships and attracting investment to St. Kitts and Nevis, aligning with his broader vision of enhanced collaboration between the two regions. His announcement of plans to bring Caribbean leadership back to Abuja in 2026 during his chairmanship of CARICOM further solidified this commitment, signaling a sustained effort to build bridges and cultivate mutually beneficial relationships.

Prime Minister Drew’s first meeting was with Dr. Eruani Azi-bapu Godbless, the President of Azikel Group, a major Nigerian conglomerate with interests spanning various sectors, including petroleum refining, dredging, power generation, construction, engineering, and aviation. This meeting presented a significant opportunity to explore potential investment opportunities in St. Kitts and Nevis, leveraging Azikel Group’s diverse portfolio and expertise. Discussions likely focused on identifying areas of synergy and exploring how Azikel Group’s capabilities could contribute to the economic development of St. Kitts and Nevis. The Prime Minister’s proactive engagement with such a prominent business leader highlights his focus on attracting foreign direct investment and stimulating economic growth.

The subsequent meeting with Mallam Khalifa Naziru Abdullahi, Founder and President of K.K. Kingdom Group, another diversified Nigerian conglomerate involved in manufacturing, real estate, energy, and engineering, further broadened the scope of potential investment partnerships. K.K. Kingdom Group’s diverse business interests align with several key sectors in St. Kitts and Nevis, offering potential for collaboration in areas such as infrastructure development, renewable energy, and manufacturing. These discussions likely explored the investment climate in St. Kitts and Nevis and identified specific projects where K.K. Kingdom Group’s expertise and resources could be deployed effectively.

The Prime Minister also engaged with Hon. Gabriel Torwua Suswam, a Nigerian politician and former Governor of Benue State. This meeting emphasized the importance of building political bridges and fostering government-to-government collaboration alongside private sector partnerships. Suswam’s experience in governance and his understanding of the Nigerian business landscape could prove valuable in facilitating future investment initiatives and strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and St. Kitts and Nevis. The meeting likely focused on exploring avenues for cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as trade, education, and cultural exchange.

A common thread throughout these bilateral meetings was Prime Minister Drew’s invitation to each individual to visit St. Kitts and Nevis for the upcoming Investment Gateway Summit 2025 in May. This strategic invitation underscores the Prime Minister’s proactive approach to attracting investment and showcasing the potential of St. Kitts and Nevis to potential investors. The Investment Gateway Summit serves as a platform to present the country’s investment opportunities, highlight its stable political and economic environment, and connect potential investors with key government officials and business leaders. By personally inviting these influential Nigerian figures, Prime Minister Drew demonstrated his commitment to fostering strong partnerships and creating a conducive environment for foreign investment.

The series of meetings held by Prime Minister Drew during and after the AACIS 25 in Abuja signify a significant step towards strengthening economic ties between St. Kitts and Nevis and Nigeria. His proactive engagement with prominent Nigerian business leaders and political figures underscores his commitment to attracting foreign investment, promoting economic growth, and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships. The invitation to the Investment Gateway Summit 2025 serves as a concrete next step in solidifying these relationships and translating discussions into tangible investment projects. The Prime Minister’s efforts at AACIS 25 and beyond exemplify his proactive leadership in positioning St. Kitts and Nevis as a prime destination for foreign investment and fostering closer collaboration with African nations.