By Gabriel Ameh, The Sight News
The Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, has reiterated his commitment to the dignified deployment of Nigerian volunteers to African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries, in line with the agency’s mandate.
He emphasized that these deployments would be conducted as the need arises and with the utmost respect for the professionals involved.
Yakub made this statement in Abuja while receiving the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr. Jibrin Baba Ndace, during a courtesy visit to his office.
Highlighting the significance of VON, Yakub described the institution as one of Nigeria’s earliest establishments, having been founded in 1961 shortly after independence. He noted that its role in shaping Nigeria’s global narrative makes it a key pillar of the country’s soft power diplomacy.
He stressed that a partnership between NTAC and VON would be mutually beneficial, as it would enhance the visibility of Nigeria’s foreign policy efforts and showcase the positive impact of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration on a global scale.
Yakub also acknowledged President Tinubu’s keen interest in NTAC, stating that this support has enabled the agency to scale up the deployment of highly qualified Nigerian volunteers to various recipient nations.
Since assuming office over a year ago, Yakub noted several milestones achieved under his leadership, including:
- Regular deployment of volunteers to various countries, ensuring that their entitlements are fully paid.
- The introduction of a revenue-generation model through the dignified exportation of skilled Nigerian labor to nations such as Jamaica, among others.
- A shift in NTAC’s global perception, with Nigerian volunteers now occupying strategic leadership positions in host countries. For instance, in The Gambia, Nigerian professionals serve as Vice-Chancellors, Directors of Schools, High Court Judges, and Legislative Draftsmen, reinforcing Nigeria’s influence in key sectors.
In response, VON DG Jibrin Baba Ndace commended Yakub for his leadership and the positive transformation he has brought to NTAC within a short time. He described Yakub as a visionary leader, an experienced politician, and a reconciliator who has significantly advanced the agency’s mandate.
Ndace emphasized the natural alignment between NTAC and VON, highlighting their shared goal of promoting Nigeria’s image globally. To support NTAC’s efforts, he offered a dedicated weekly program slot on VON’s platform, ensuring greater visibility for the agency’s initiatives.
“We recognize Nigeria as a leading power in Africa, and NTAC plays a crucial role in showcasing this leadership. It is important that the world hears the impact of NTAC’s work, and VON is ready to amplify this message,” Ndace assured.
The VON delegation included senior management members, while NTAC was represented by key officials, including the Director of Programmes, Amb. Zakari Usman; Deputy Director of Administration, Amb. Saidu Muhammed; Deputy Director and Head of Accounts, Mrs. Meimunat Haruna-Mustapha; and Assistant Director (Internal Audits), Mr. Adekola Lawal.
The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps was established in 1987 and has since deployed over 10,000 Nigerian professionals to more than 40 ACP countries. The agency continues to serve as a vital instrument of Nigeria’s international diplomacy, strengthening bilateral relations and fostering development in recipient nations.
