Abuja: The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) and the Environmental Resource Innovation and Development Network (ERIDN) are set to collaborate in promoting marine environment protection and sustainable development. The partnership aims to foster economic growth across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific (ACP) countries, as part of the efforts to advance South-South Cooperation and Nigeria’s new skilled export initiative.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the collaboration was announced in a statement signed by Mr. Nkem Anyata-Lafia, Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Director-General of NTAC, Mr. Yusuf Yakub. The announcement followed a courtesy visit by a delegation from ERIDN to the NTAC Complex in Abuja, during which Yakub reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to deepen South-South Cooperation among ACP countries.
Yakub emphasized NTAC’s readiness to partner with civil society organizations on initiatives of mutual interest, particularly those focused on protecting marine resources and harnessing them for economic empowerment. He further disclosed NTAC’s new initiative to export Nigeria’s skilled manpower abroad for a fee, with the first agreement with Jamaica expected to be finalized soon. This initiative is anticipated to facilitate regular migration of Nigerian youths, providing benefits for both the participants and Nigeria.
Yakub highlighted NTAC’s openness to partnerships with stakeholders whose programs align with the objectives of the Technical Aid Corps Scheme and Nigeria’s broader commitment to South-South Cooperation. Through the deployment of Nigerian professionals under the scheme, Nigeria continues to contribute to human capacity development and sustainable development in host countries.
The ERIDN delegation, led by Executive Director Dr. Amenya Kartay, visited to acknowledge NTAC’s impact and explore practical areas of partnership. Kartay expressed the organization’s eagerness to collaborate with NTAC and other stakeholders, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council. The goal is to develop initiatives that promote environmental sustainability while creating opportunities for economic growth.
Other members of the ERIDN delegation included Director of Finance and Administration, Dr. Charity Onene, and Programmes and ICT Manager, Mr. Tony Melvin. The meeting concluded with both organizations agreeing to explore areas of mutual interest to support sustainable development and strengthen Nigeria’s role in South-South Cooperation.