– Marks Two Years in Office
By Biola Lawal
Abuja (FLOWERBUDNEWS): The Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 4D foreign relations initiative, noting that it has effectively boosted TAC operations.
Rt Hon. Buba Yakub gave the commendation on Friday in Abuja, while speaking at a media chat help mark his two years in office during which he fully highlighted the achievements, challenges, and future vision of the agency under his stewardship, a statement by Ojo Olubunmi, Head (INFO/PR) NTAC disclosed.
The NTAC DG stated that President Tinubu’s 4D foreign policy agenda of – Democracy, Demography, Diaspora, and Development— had played the major role in transforming and strengthening NTAC operations in the past two years.
He described the scheme as an instrument of soft power diplomacy that has, for 38 years, sent over 10,000 Nigerian experts to more than 40 countries.
“Today, NTAC is at its highest peak since inception because of the President’s 4D agenda,” he affirmed, disclosing that, because of its current efficiency, Jamaica is already requesting for 400 paid Nigerian experts as evidence of the demand for Nigeria’s human capital.
The DG also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, noting that since his appointment on August 23, 2023, and resumption on August 28, 2023, he has “hit the ground running” in line with the President’s directives.
Reflecting on the state of NTAC when he assumed duty, the DG said he inherited 198 volunteers already in service, alongside significant financial challenges, including unpaid salaries and a ₦300 million debt.
He recalled that currency fluctuations in 2024 had threatened deployments, but, buoyed by the President’s support, the Corps cleared its debts and resumed steady deployments.
“From September 2023 till date, we have been deploying 2–3 times every month nonstop,” he said, adding that Nigeria has since maintained a steady global presence.
Highlighting success stories, the DG noted that some Nigerian volunteers in The Gambia have risen to become Vice-Chancellors and Deputy Vice-Chancellors in leading universities.
“This shows that Nigeria’s vibrant demography is not just being exported but is shaping global development,” he said.
He also revealed infrastructure reforms within NTAC, including renovation of dilapidated offices and acquisition of new buses for operations—initiatives he kick-started with personal funds before federal budgetary support came through. “By the end of October 2025, we will have 450 volunteers in service, meeting 90% of our target,” he announced.
Rt. Hon. Buba unveiled plans to further reposition NTAC as a hub for both soft power diplomacy and labour export.
He explained that, while volunteers continued to serve freely under the TAC scheme, the Corps is exploring opportunities to export skilled Nigerian manpower on a commercial basis, in collaboration with host governments and international bodies like the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
He cited Jamaica’s request for 400 paid experts as evidence of the demand for Nigeria’s human capital.
During the interactive session, he reiterated that NTAC aligned fully 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 stressed.
The DG concluded by charging Nigerian youths to see NTAC as a platform not only for service but also for personal growth and national pride. “We are not just sending out volunteers; we are raising leaders who will come back to build Nigeria,” he declared.
The media chat ended with group photographs, symbolizing NTAC’s renewed commitment to service, accountability, and Nigeria’s global leadership through soft power diplomacy. (FLOWERBUDNEWS)