Nigeria begins deployment of technical experts to eastern Caribbean countries

Nigeria has begun a deployment of technical experts to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, in fulfilment of President Bola Tinubu’s pledge.

Tinubu spoke on Monday during a special joint session of the senate and the house of assembly of Saint Lucia, where he is currently on a state visit.

As part of efforts to establish strong diplomatic relations with the country, Tinubu said Nigeria would deploy its Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) to boost exchanges in health, education, agriculture, and other technical services to serve as models for broader Africa–Caribbean collaboration.

The OECS comprises seven small island developing states with a combined population of approximately 625,000.

The technical manpower assistance (TMA) agreement outlining modalities for deploying skilled Nigerian professionals to Saint Lucia was signed on Wednesday at the ministry of external affairs in Castries, Saint Lucia’s capital.

Yusuf Yakub, NTAC director-general; and Janelle Modeste-Stephen, acting permanent secretary, ministry of external affairs, international trade, civil aviation and diaspora affairs; signed on behalf of both countries.

“This is an outstanding achievement, just days after Mr. President’s directive to deploy technical aid to Saint Lucia and the wider OECS,” a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s special adviser on information and strategy, said.

Yakub noted that the agreement allows Nigeria to send expert volunteers, including teachers, medical professionals, agriculturists, who will serve for two years in the host countries.

The Nigerian government will be responsible for their allowances and logistics, while the host countries will provide accommodation and local support.

Tinubu had also announced a scholarship for students from the OECS during his address which had leaders from the island states in attendance.

“These students who will benefit from the scholarship will have a chance to reconnect with their roots and heritage,” Yakub added.

‘NIGERIA’S DEPLOYMENT OF TECHNICAL AID ABROAD REVIVED’

Yakub said over 300 Nigerian professionals have been deployed across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific since the commencement of the Tinubu administration in May 2023.

“Since my appointment in August, we’ve deployed volunteers to Liberia, Sierra Leone, Jamaica, and other African nations,” he said.

“This programme was nearly dormant, but Mr. President revived it with his strong foreign policy vision.

“Right now, we are deploying volunteers to Jamaica. Some are already there, and others will fly out tomorrow from Abuja.

“Four nurses will depart for Jamaica tomorrow. Additionally, six medical doctors are scheduled to leave for Grenada on July 9th.”

He added that further engagements are ongoing with Belize, the Dominican Republic, and the OECS DG to establish a regional framework for technical assistance.

Yakub said NTAC is becoming a revenue-generating platform.

“One of our volunteers in Jamaica popularised Adire (a Yoruba textile with tie-dye patterns), which has become so popular that Jamaicans now produce it locally, calling it Jadire. They even export it to the United States,” he noted.

According to Yakub, Jamaica has formally requested 400 experts, and are willing to pay.

“We are exporting Nigeria’s human capital with dignity, creating opportunities for our people, and reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership across the Global South,” he added.

The NTAC DG said the initiative strengthens Nigeria’s global influence, while promoting professional development, cultural exchange, and solidarity with historically connected nations.