Sani Bello, Kalu Lead Senate Mission to Support Nigerian Volunteers Abroad

Members of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Nigerians serving abroad under the Technical Aid Corps (TAC) Scheme as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives and deepen diplomatic relations across Africa.

The assurance was given during an ongoing oversight visit to the United Republic of Tanzania, where the Committee held an interactive session with Nigerian Technical Aid Corps volunteers serving in the East African nation.
The delegation was led by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, alongside Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, other members of the Committee, and the Nigerian Ambassador to Tanzania.
The engagement formed part of the Committee’s constitutional oversight responsibilities to assess the welfare, working conditions, and contributions of Nigerians deployed under the Technical Aid Corps programme.
Discussions focused on the volunteers’ living and working conditions, the challenges they encounter while carrying out their assignments, and the positive impact they continue to make in their host communities through knowledge transfer and capacity building.
The lawmakers commended the volunteers for their dedication and professionalism, describing them as worthy ambassadors who continue to project Nigeria’s image positively across the continent.
Speaking during the session, members of the Committee noted that the Technical Aid Corps Scheme remains one of Nigeria’s most successful foreign policy instruments, promoting South-South cooperation while strengthening diplomatic ties with African countries through technical assistance and human capital development.
They observed that beyond providing professional services in education, healthcare, agriculture, and other critical sectors, TAC volunteers have continued to foster goodwill and mutual understanding between Nigeria and beneficiary nations.
The Committee particularly praised the patriotism and selfless service of the volunteers, noting that their contributions reflect Nigeria’s enduring commitment to African solidarity and regional development.
“The Technical Aid Corps volunteers are outstanding ambassadors of our country. Through their knowledge, expertise and commitment to service, they continue to support development initiatives while strengthening Nigeria’s friendship and cooperation with other African nations,” Senator Orji Uzor Kalu stated.
The Senators assured the volunteers that the National Assembly remains committed to ensuring that programmes and policies promoting their welfare receive the necessary legislative support.
They also pledged to sustain effective oversight to strengthen the implementation of the Technical Aid Corps Scheme and address issues affecting Nigerians serving under the programme abroad.
According to the lawmakers, investing in the welfare of TAC volunteers is not only an investment in the individuals serving the nation but also in Nigeria’s diplomatic influence and soft power across Africa.
The Nigerian Ambassador to Tanzania, who participated in the interactive session, also commended the volunteers for their exemplary conduct and contributions to strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and Tanzania.
The Senate Committee reiterated that Nigeria’s foreign policy should continue to prioritise initiatives that showcase the country’s human capital and promote mutually beneficial partnerships with other nations.
Established in 1987, the Technical Aid Corps Scheme is one of Nigeria’s flagship foreign policy initiatives designed to provide skilled manpower assistance to developing countries, particularly in Africa, while fostering international cooperation and strengthening diplomatic relations.
Through the programme, thousands of Nigerian professionals have been deployed over the years to provide technical expertise in various sectors, reinforcing Nigeria’s role as a leading contributor to development efforts across the continent.
The Committee’s engagement with TAC volunteers in Tanzania underscores the Senate’s resolve to ensure that Nigerians serving abroad receive adequate support as they continue advancing the country’s diplomatic, developmental, and strategic interests globally