The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to deepening South-South cooperation through a high-level bilateral engagement in Trinidad and Tobago.
The delegation, led by the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the NTAC, Dr. Yusuf Buba Yakub, undertook the official visit on behalf of the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu as part of ongoing efforts to expand Nigeria’s diplomatic footprint.
It is also to strengthen mutually beneficial partnerships with the Caribbean nations.
Dr. Yakub emphasised Nigeria’s readiness to expand the scope of its technical assistance programmes to Trinidad and Tobago, building on historical ties and shared cultural heritage between both nations.
He reiterated that “the initiative reflects the vision of President Tinubu to position Nigeria as a pivotal driver of development cooperation and a reliable partner in addressing common challenges faced by developing countries.”
In a statement issued by the Head of Information and Public Relations unit of the NTAC, O Olubunmi, the delegation held the strategic engagements at the Federal Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as the Nigerian Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago.
The engagements were aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and advancing cooperation under the South-South framework.
The visit also underscored the strategic importance placed by the administration of President Tinubu on fostering robust cooperation among developing countries, particularly in areas of technical assistance, capacity building, education, healthcare, and cultural exchange.
“It further aligns with Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives of promoting solidarity, shared prosperity, and sustainable development across the Global South,” the statement reads.
During the engagement, the NTAC delegation held productive discussions with key government stakeholders in Trinidad and Tobago, focusing on enhancing collaboration under the South-South Cooperation framework.
The deliberations were attended by the Chargé d’Affaires of Trinidad and Tobago, Dankaro Angye Ashumate, who was accompanied by the Head of Chancery, Mrs. Linda Hills.
Their presence further underscored the importance both countries attach ‘to strengthening diplomatic and development cooperation.’
The meeting highlighted Nigeria’s longstanding role as a leader in technical aid delivery, leveraging its human capital to support partner countries through the deployment of skilled professionals.
The delegation also included the Director of Programmes, Ambassador Bello Jaye, alongside other key officials of the Corps, whose contributions were instrumental in advancing discussions and identifying priority areas for collaboration.
The bilateral engagement further provided an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s achievements under the Technical Aid Corps Scheme, which has, over the years, deployed thousands of professionals to beneficiary countries across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.
The visit marks a significant milestone in strengthening Nigeria–Trinidad and Tobago relations and reinforces the country’s commitment to the principles of South-South Cooperation, mutual respect, and shared development.
The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps remains dedicated to promoting international cooperation through the effective deployment of Nigeria’s skilled manpower, in line with global best practices and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.