Nigeria Sends 10,000 Technical Experts Abroad, 35 More Deploy to Tanzania

Oru Leonard

The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) has deployed over 10,000 technical experts to various countries since its establishment in 1987. The Director-General of NTAC, Right Honourable Yusuf Buba Yakub, made this known on Tuesday, during a briefing for 35 technical volunteers deployed to serve in Zanzibar, Tanzania for two years.

He said the deployment has helped to boost the Corps status as revenue generating agency while also providing employment for the experts who were previously unemployed in Nigeria.

He appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his support in enhancing the foreign policy of Nigeria thus repositioning NTAC with the responsibility of promoting soft power diplomacy, and assured that the Corps will continue to work along the mandate of Mr. President to achieve his 4D foreign policy initiative.

“In Nigeria, before its establishment in 198,7 our leaders then used to give cash support to our sister nations within Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific.

“But from 1987, the leaders decided to say, let’s send our technical experts to these countries so that we will enhance our relationship with the countries. It will also enhance cultural exchange, and in every aspect, it will be better than giving cash support. So that was why the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps was established in 1987 and backed by an act of the National Assembly.

“From 1987 to this day, I am proud to say that the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps have achieved a lot because we have deployed to over 40 countries, and we have also deployed over 10,000 experts to more than 40 countries in the Pacific and also African countries.

“And this is a great achievement for our country, because even on Saturday when I was in Gambia with the director of programs to attend a convocation ceremony of the Gambian University, the president of Gambia, Adama Borrow, was so proud and so appreciative of what Nigeria has been doing to that country, because the first vice chancellor of one of the only university then in the Gambia was a volunteer of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps that was in 1999 and the second vice chancellor was also a volunteer of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps.

“And even so that Saturday, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of that university, a 25 year old university, is also a volunteer of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, and the Nigerian also established other universities, like the University of Science and the present Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor and two directors, our volunteers that we sent out there in 2024.

“We have everything we need in Africa. We have everything we need amongst our black brothers and sisters in the Caribbean and Pacific, and so that’s the spirit behind the establishment of this program,” The DG stated

He disclosed that the success of NTAC is beginning to yield as a source of revenue and managed migration to the country.

“Because of the activities of these volunteers today, Nigerian Technical Aid Corps transforming into a revenue generating agency because the last time I went to Jamaica, and in the course of discussion, we said, since our volunteers have been doing well, and countries are developing confidence in the Nigerian citizens because of the work of our volunteers, we can also give out services for fee.

Key Highlights:

• Deployment Achievements: NTAC has deployed experts to over 40 countries, promoting cultural exchange and enhancing Nigeria’s relationships with recipient countries.
• Revenue Generation: The agency has transitioned into a revenue-generating body, with plans to offer services for a fee, leveraging the confidence built through its volunteers’ work.
• Soft Power Diplomacy: NTAC’s efforts align with President Bola Tinubu’s 4D foreign policy initiative, promoting South-South cooperation and Pan-Africanism.

Benefits of NTAC’s Work:

• Employment Opportunities: NTAC provides employment for Nigerian experts who were previously unemployed.
• International Reputation: The agency’s work has earned Nigeria recognition and appreciation from recipient countries, such as Gambia.
• African Unity: NTAC’s efforts contribute to African unity and cooperation, promoting the continent’s growth and development.

New Deployment:

• 35 Experts to Tanzania: Thirty-five technical volunteers are deploying to Zanzibar, Tanzania, for a two-year assignment, further expanding NTAC’s reach and impact.

The Director-General urged the deploying experts to be good ambassadors of Nigeria, representing the country’s values and promoting its interests abroad.

Speaking on behalf of the 35 volunteers, Dr. Paul Conellous expressed appreciation to NTAC for giving them the opportunity.

“To whom much is given, much is expected. We want to give our word that we are going to represent our country well”, he said.