In another giant stride for Nigeria’s foreign policy and development diplomacy, the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) has commenced the final briefing of 35 newly deployed volunteers bound for Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania.

While making his remarks at the event, the Director-General, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Yusuf Buba Yakub described the day as historic for the agency, citing the deployment of the 35 professionals to Zanzibar as a directive of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his foreign policy vision. He appreciated the President, the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, NTAC directors and staff not forgetting the resource persons who have contributed to the agency’s mandate.

Highlighting NTAC’s evolution since its establishment in 1987, the DG explained how Nigeria transitioned from offering monetary aid to technical assistance as a more sustainable model of diplomacy. He noted that over 10,000 expatriates have so far been deployed to over 40 countries across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.

He further shared an inspiring testimony from The Gambia, where several TAC volunteers have risen to occupy notable national positions, including two former Vice Chancellors of the University of The Gambia. He urged the Zanzibar-bound volunteers to view themselves not just as professionals, but as ambassadors of Nigeria’s values, and to collaborate closely with the Nigerian embassy in their host country.

Speaking on behalf of the deployed team, Dr. Paul, a pharmacologist and the team leader, thanked the Director-General for the opportunity. He assured the agency that they will uphold Nigeria’s image and deliver on their assignments with diligence and excellence.

The group includes professionals such as nurses, physicians, ophthalmologists, cardiologists, midwives, lecturers, consultants, anesthesiologists, and health service administrators.

In a brief media chat, the DG disclosed that NTAC is on course to becoming a revenue-generating agency for the country, citing recent requests from the Jamaican government for over 400 expatriates. He emphasized that this expansion will help reduce unemployment and address illegal migration, offering Nigerians legal pathways to global opportunities.

Addressing concerns about defaulters, the DG assured that due to NTAC’s rigorous screening and vetting process, defaulters remain extremely rare. He also reaffirmed that NTAC deploys a wide range of professionals beyond the medical field, including artisans and university professors, depending on host country needs.

Present at the event were key officials of the agency, including the Director Programmes, Amb. Zakari Usman fdc, Deputy Director (Admin), Amb. Saidu Muhammed, Deputy Director {Accounts}, Mrs. Meimunat Haruna- Mustapha and former Director of Programmes, Ambassador Sani Bako mni.