Abuja: A new chapter has unfolded for the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), a pivotal initiative under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as it continues to redefine Nigeria’s foreign policy landscape. Established in 1987, NTAC has been instrumental in providing technical assistance to African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries, serving as a strategic alternative to direct monetary aid.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, NTAC has significantly contributed to fostering bilateral and triangular relations between Nigeria and ACP countries by deploying professionals such as doctors, engineers, and teachers. The corps focuses on capacity building and human resources development, addressing critical manpower gaps in health and education sectors, thereby supporting sustainable development through partnerships with these nations.
Since its inception, NTAC has deployed over 10,000 volunteers to ACP countries. In 2025 alone, NTAC sent Technical Aid Corps (TAC) volunteers to 12 ACP countries, including Jamaica, Republic of Benin, Rwanda, and Equatorial Guinea, among others. The corps also initiated new relations with Equatorial Guinea, Grenada, and St. Kitts and Nevis.
Observers note that under the leadership of Director-General Dr Yusuf Yakub, NTAC is experiencing a renaissance. With strategic alignment to Nigeria’s 4D Foreign Policy-Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora-the corps is bolstering Nigeria’s soft power diplomacy and international influence. NTAC’s efforts are in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing democracy, development, and diaspora engagement.
Noteworthy accolades have been received from countries impacted by NTAC’s interventions. The Gambian Government recently praised Nigeria’s educational assistance, highlighting the contribution of Nigerian professors at the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET). Similarly, Dr. Yusuf Yakub’s visit to Benin’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research aimed to strengthen diplomatic ties and facilitate trade between Nigeria and Benin.
NTAC’s new relations with Equatorial Guinea, Grenada, and St. Kitts and Nevis are set to address manpower gaps in health and education sectors. In April 2025, 35 medical professionals were dispatched to Zanzibar, Tanzania, to bridge professional gaps. Additionally, the Jamaican Government requested 400 workers from Nigeria, offering full salaries to address their manpower shortages, further cementing Nigeria’s role as a supportive ally to ACP countries.
Under Yakub’s leadership, NTAC has strengthened ties with several countries through capacity building and human resources development. The corps also witnessed the return of Professor Joseph Tanko Apagu from Uganda, who was commended for his dedication and exemplary service.
In a world marked by increasing polarization, commentators emphasize the importance of sustaining NTAC’s ongoing repositioning.