Nigeria Strengthens Diplomatic Ties with Deployment of Technical Experts to Tanzania

By Iyojo Ameh

The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) has announced the deployment of 35 technical volunteers to Zanzibar, Tanzania, as part of efforts to deepen diplomatic relations and promote President Bola Tinubu’s 4D foreign policy initiative.

Speaking during a pre-deployment briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the Director General of NTAC thanked President Tinubu for his unwavering support in reinforcing Nigeria’s soft power diplomacy and expanding its influence across Africa and beyond.

The volunteers, scheduled to depart Nigeria on Wednesday, will serve in Tanzania for two years, providing critical services — particularly in healthcare — as part of Nigeria’s long-standing commitment to South-South cooperation.

Recalling NTAC’s establishment, the DG said the Corps was created in 1987 as a shift from Nigeria’s previous foreign aid approach, which involved cash donations to sister nations. “Our leaders decided it was more impactful to send technical experts rather than give cash. That’s why the Technical Aid Corps was established — to enhance relationships, promote cultural exchange, and foster development,” he stated.

According to him, the Corps has deployed over 10,000 Nigerian experts to more than 40 countries since inception, spanning Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.

He shared a recent experience in The Gambia where the contributions of Nigerian volunteers were acknowledged at the highest level. “President Adama Barrow was full of praise for Nigeria. The first and second Vice Chancellors of Gambia’s only university in 1999 were NTAC volunteers. Today, the Deputy Vice Chancellor and several directors at the University of Science are also Nigerian volunteers we deployed in 2024.”

He described these contributions as a testament to Africa’s potential for internal development. “The spirit of this program is Pan-Africanism — for black nations to support each other rather than depending on the West. Africa has everything it needs.”

Addressing concerns over deploying medical professionals despite Nigeria’s own healthcare challenges, he said, “Nigeria is a continental superpower. In the spirit of solidarity and South-South cooperation, we must continue to share what we have. That’s how we build influence and strengthen Africa’s position globally.”

He also revealed NTAC’s evolving role as a revenue-generating agency. “Due to the excellent performance of our volunteers, countries now trust Nigerian expertise. The American government has requested 400 experts — and they’ll pay fully. We’re now transforming from an aid agency to one that also generates revenue.”

The DG emphasized that this shift would also reduce unemployment and illegal migration. “Millions of Nigerians are unemployed and seeking opportunities abroad through irregular means. With structured, dignified labor export backed by government agreements, we can change that narrative. The Attorney General is working on a new framework, and soon, Nigeria will begin exporting labor legally and proudly.”

He warned that any volunteer who misbehaves abroad would be sanctioned, but noted that the Corps’ thorough screening had produced only high-quality candidates.

Speaking on behalf of the volunteers, Dr. Paul Conellous expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged their commitment. “To whom much is given, much is expected. We promise to represent Nigeria with dignity and professionalism.”

The volunteers’ deployment marks another milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to expand its diplomatic reach while addressing unemployment and showcasing its human capital on the global stage.