Nigeria will soon begin exporting skilled labour to countries around the world as part of a strategic initiative to tackle unemployment and boost international cooperation, the Nigeria Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) has announce .
Speaking in Abuja during the deployment of 35 medical volunteers to Zanzibar, Tanzania, Director General of NTAC, Alhaji Yusuf Buba, revealed that several countries, including Jamaica, have requested Nigerian professionals. Jamaica, he said, has already applied for 400 Nigerian experts on a paid engagement, a move expected to generate revenue and reduce illegal migration.
“Very soon, Nigeria will start exporting its labour with dignity to all parts of the world,” Buba said. “This initiative not only projects our soft power diplomacy but also addresses the issue of unemployment in the country.”
He noted that the effort aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s 4D foreign policy framework — Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora — and reflects a growing confidence in Nigerian professionals abroad.
“Our volunteers are taking up leadership roles in countries like Gambia, where we now have Nigerian vice-chancellors, judges, and university professors. This is not just humanitarian service; it’s strategic national branding,” he added.
The NTAC boss also cited the example of a Nigerian volunteer in Jamaica who introduced the traditional adire fabric, which has since gained popularity under the name “Jadiré,” even featuring in a U.S. exhibition. A factory dedicated to its production has now been established in Jamaica, he said.
According to Buba, the Attorney General of the Federation is finalizing new bilateral agreements to formalize these professional exchanges, turning NTAC into a potential revenue-generating agency.
The DG urged the volunteers to demonstrate patriotism and professionalism during their service abroad.
“They are going out to serve humanity and return with valuable experience. This is a win-win for the host countries and for Nigeria,” he said.
Two of the deployed nurses, Mohammed Garba and Maryjane Okezie, described the opportunity as a privilege to showcase Nigeria in a positive light.
Garba, a pediatric nurse, said, “Our duty is to serve and represent our country with pride. We aim to be good ambassadors of Nigeria.”
Okezie echoed the sentiment, emphasizing her commitment to making a difference in the lives of those they will serve.
Correspondent Sandra Udeike reports that since its inception 38 years ago, the Nigeria Technical Aid Corps has deployed over 10,000 skilled Nigerian professionals to various countries across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.