By Sandra Chukwugekwu
The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, NTAC, has concluded plans to deploy hundreds of Nigerian professionals abroad to strengthen foreign engagement and generate revenue through technical assistance.
The plan was made known in Abuja at the deployment ceremony of 17 Nigerian professionals to St. Kitts and Nevis.
The Director-General, Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Dr. Yusuf Buba Yakubu, described the move as a strategic expansion of Nigeria’s technical diplomacy.
Dr. Yakubu said arrangements have been completed to deploy over 400 Nigerian professionals to Jamaica.
He added that six Eastern Caribbean countries are expected to receive Nigerian experts in the first quarter of 2026.
According to him, the deployment followed a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after engagements with leaders of Eastern Caribbean states.
He said Nigeria committed to filling critical manpower gaps in the region as part of its leadership role within the Global South.
Dr. Yakubu said the deployment to St. Kitts and Nevis forms a key pillar of Nigeria’s growing engagement with the Caribbean.
He noted that the Technical Aid Corps was established 38 years ago to promote South–South cooperation among developing countries.
The NTAC Director-General said Nigeria has already deployed volunteers to Grenada and Jamaica, with St. Kitts and Nevis becoming the latest beneficiary.
He announced that the volunteers would travel on Air Peace’s maiden direct flight from Nigeria to the Caribbean.
Dr. Yakubu said the development would reduce travel time, strengthen Nigeria’s aviation sector and project the country’s global presence.
He urged the volunteers to act as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria, stressing professionalism and discipline.
Dr. Yakubu explained that while the Nigerian government will pay the volunteers’ salaries, the government of St. Kitts and Nevis will provide accommodation and logistics.
Earlier, the Director of Programmes, Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Ambassador Zachary Ousmane, commended the agency’s leadership for sustaining Nigeria’s technical assistance diplomacy.
The volunteers expressed appreciation to NTAC management and pledged commitment to excellence and service.
The professionals, drawn from medical, education and other sectors, will serve in St. Kitts and Nevis for an initial two-year period under the Technical Aid Corps scheme.
Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle
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