NTAC DG Celebrates Two Years in Office, Applauds President Tinubu’s 4D Policy for Advancing Nigeria’s Soft Power Diplomacy

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, on Friday hosted a media chat at the NTAC complex in Abuja to mark his two years in office. The event highlighted the milestones, challenges, and future direction of the agency under his leadership.

This was contained in a statement signed by Ojo A. Olubunmi, Head of Information/PR at NTAC, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and made available to journalists in Abuja.

In his remarks, the DG expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve. He recalled that since his appointment on August 23, 2023, and resumption of duty on August 28, 2023, he has “hit the ground running” in line with the President’s directives.

Reflecting on the state of NTAC upon his assumption of office, the DG said he inherited 198 volunteers already deployed, along with pressing financial challenges that included unpaid salaries and a ₦300 million debt. He noted that currency fluctuations in 2024 further threatened operations. However, with the support of the President, the Corps cleared its debts and restored steady deployments. “From September 2023 till date, we have been deploying two to three times every month without interruption,” he stated, adding that Nigeria has sustained a consistent global presence.

Yakub underscored the pivotal role of President Tinubu’s 4D foreign policy agenda—Democracy, Demography, Diaspora, and Development—in repositioning NTAC. He described the scheme as a tool of soft power diplomacy which, over its 38-year history, has deployed more than 10,000 Nigerian professionals to over 40 countries. “Today, NTAC is at its highest peak since inception because of the President’s 4D agenda,” he affirmed.

Citing success stories, he noted that Nigerian volunteers in The Gambia have risen to positions such as Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor in top universities. “This shows that Nigeria’s vibrant demography is not only being exported but is shaping global development,” he said.

On internal reforms, the DG revealed that he initiated infrastructure upgrades at NTAC, including the renovation of dilapidated offices and acquisition of new buses for field operations. These, he disclosed, were initially funded from his personal resources before federal budgetary provisions were released. He further announced that by the end of October 2025, NTAC will have 450 volunteers in service, achieving 90% of its deployment target.

Looking ahead, Buba outlined plans to reposition NTAC as a hub for both soft power diplomacy and labor export. While maintaining the volunteer-based TAC scheme, he said the Corps is also working with host governments and international partners, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM), to explore paid labor export opportunities. He pointed to Jamaica’s request for 400 Nigerian experts as evidence of rising global demand for the country’s skilled workforce.

During the interactive session, he stressed that NTAC’s activities are aligned with the President’s foreign policy pillars. “When we send volunteers, we contribute to development; when they engage with Nigerians abroad, they reinforce the diaspora pillar. Our work is a practical expression of the 4D vision,” he explained.

The DG also encouraged Nigerian youths to embrace NTAC as a platform for service, leadership development, and national pride. “We are not just sending out volunteers; we are raising leaders who will return to build Nigeria,” he declared.

The media chat concluded with group photographs, symbolizing NTAC’s renewed commitment to service, accountability, and Nigeria’s leadership in global soft power diplomacy.