The Technical Aid Corps expands to Grenada, Equatorial Guinea, South Sudan, and Zanzibar, boosting Nigeria’s manpower export and strengthening global diplomacy.
The Technical Aid Corps (TAC) has extended its reach to four new countries, marking a major step in Nigeria’s international development agenda.
According to the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), the expansion is aimed at bridging educational and professional gaps while enhancing Nigeria’s influence abroad through manpower export and soft power diplomacy.
Director General of NTAC, Dr. Yusuf Yakub, announced the milestone during a media briefing in Abuja to commemorate his second year in office.
He disclosed that Grenada, Equatorial Guinea, South Sudan, and Zanzibar have now been admitted into the programme, with volunteer deployment expected soon.
The choice of partner countries reflects both strategic and humanitarian priorities.
Grenada, in the Southern Caribbean, strengthens Nigeria’s cultural and diplomatic ties with the Caribbean community, opening doors for broader South-South cooperation.
Equatorial Guinea, a neighboring oil-rich nation, seeks professionals in health and administration, reinforcing Nigeria’s role in regional capacity building.
South Sudan, the world’s newest country, faces critical shortages of teachers, doctors, and governance experts, making Nigeria’s contribution vital to its peacebuilding efforts.
Zanzibar, a historic hub in East Africa, provides Nigeria with a stronger presence in the Indian Ocean region, deepening ties with Tanzania and its neighbors.
“These new engagements are not random,” Yakub explained.
“They reflect the demand for Nigerian expertise and the willingness of these countries to collaborate with us in strengthening human capital development.”
Yakub highlighted that one of his administration’s top priorities is tackling illegal migration.
He lamented that many Nigerian youths attempt irregular journeys to Europe and the Middle East, often ending up exploited or stranded.
Through the Corps, however, young professionals can take up legitimate roles abroad.
A Nigerian teacher deployed to The Gambia under TAC shared how the programme gave him international exposure and allowed him to save money while serving a greater purpose. Similar opportunities, Yakub said, will now be available in the newly added countries.
“This is a safer, more dignified alternative to irregular migration,” he said.
“We want our young people to be global citizens, but in a structured way that protects them and adds value to Nigeria.”
The Technical Aid Corps has historically been seen as a volunteer initiative, but Yakub emphasized that it is evolving into a manpower export hub.
Nigerian professionals will no longer just serve as goodwill ambassadors but also as skilled workers contributing to the economies of their host nations.
“This transformation aligns with our foreign policy and economic priorities,” Yakub noted.
“By exporting manpower, Nigeria earns respect abroad while our citizens gain financial empowerment and international experience.”
He stressed that this approach supports both national development and bilateral relations, positioning Nigeria as a reliable partner in human resource development.
Beyond manpower, TAC strengthens Nigeria’s foreign policy by projecting goodwill and cooperation.
For instance, in past years, Nigerian doctors deployed under the Corps saved lives in Sierra Leone during health crises, while teachers in Guyana significantly improved literacy rates. These stories of impact, Yakub said, underline Nigeria’s global relevance.
“Soft power diplomacy is about influence through service, not force,” he explained. “Every Nigerian volunteer abroad becomes a living example of our values, skills, and resilience.”
He praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for backing the Corps, adding that TAC has become a trusted tool in showcasing Nigeria’s strengths to the world.
Yakub summarized his administration’s progress since taking office:
1. Expansion into four countries – Grenada, Equatorial Guinea, South Sudan, Zanzibar.
2. Renewal of old partnerships, ensuring continuity in Africa and the Caribbean.
3. Anti-illegal migration initiative, creating structured alternatives for young Nigerians.
4. Integration with soft power diplomacy, strengthening Nigeria’s influence abroad.
5. Preparations for more countries, with discussions ongoing with other interested nations.
For Nigerian professionals, TAC offers multiple benefits:
Career growth – Volunteers gain exposure to international best practices.
Financial empowerment – They serve as paid workers in their host countries.
National service – Volunteers act as cultural ambassadors, promoting Nigeria’s image.
Knowledge transfer – Returning professionals bring back new skills to strengthen local institutions.
For Nigeria, the programme reduces unemployment, enhances diaspora engagement, and fosters goodwill that often translates into stronger diplomatic ties and bilateral cooperation.
Yakub revealed that NTAC is in talks with additional countries eager to join the Corps.
While details remain confidential, he assured that more opportunities will soon open for Nigerian professionals abroad.
He also called for stronger collaboration between government, private institutions, and civil society to sustain the programme’s momentum.
“The Technical Aid Corps is not just about sending people abroad,” he said.
“It’s about building bridges, shaping perceptions, and creating opportunities for our people and our partners.”
The expansion of the Technical Aid Corps into Grenada, Equatorial Guinea, South Sudan, and Zanzibar represents a turning point in Nigeria’s global development strategy.
By exporting skilled manpower, the Corps is tackling illegal migration, empowering young Nigerians, and strengthening soft power diplomacy.
Under Dr. Yusuf Yakub’s leadership, and with the support of the Tinubu administration, TAC is moving from volunteerism to a full-fledged manpower export hub.
With new opportunities for Nigerian professionals and stronger ties with partner nations, the Corps continues to demonstrate that service, cooperation, and expertise remain Nigeria’s most valuable exports.
About The Author
