Nigeria begins to distribute experts in the ECS countries, signs technical assistance with Santa Lucia

Nigeria and Saint Lucia have signed a technical assistance agreement (TMA) which outlines the methods for the distribution of Nigerian professionals qualified for Saint Lucia.

This is part of the efforts to deepen south-south cooperation and reconnect with the African diaspora in the Caribbean.

The general manager of the Nigerian technical aid body, Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, signed on behalf of Nigeria, while Janelle Modeste-Stephen, permanent actor secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, International Commerce, Civil Aviation and Diaspora affairs, signed on Wednesday on behalf of the Eastern Caribbean Island at the Ministry of External Affairs, Castrie, Saint Lucia.

Describing the agreement as “a great result”, Yakub said she had marked a key step in the implementation of the vision of President Bola Tinubu strengthening bilateral and regional partnerships.

“This is an exceptional result, a few days after Mr. President’s directive to distribute technical aid to Santa Lucia and the wider OECs,” he said.

Yakub said that the agreement allows Nigeria to send experienced volunteers, including teachers, medical professionals, farmers and others, who will serve for two years in host countries.

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

“These students who will benefit from the scholarship will have the opportunity to reconnect with their roots and their heritage,” said Yakub, also referring to the wider cultural and educational exchange announced by President Tinubu during his speech to the special joint session of the Senate and the Chamber of the Santa Lucia Assembly on Monday in Santa Lucia.

Since the beginning of the current administration in May 2023, Yakub has revealed that over 300 Nigerian professionals have been lined up in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific.

“From my appointment in August, we sided volunteers in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Jamaica and other African nations.

“This program was almost inactive, but Mr. President revived him with his strong vision of foreign policy.

“At this moment, we are siding volunteers in Jamaica. Some are already there, and others will fly tomorrow from Abuja.

“Tomorrow will speak four nurses for Jamaica. Furthermore, six doctors should leave for Grenada on July 9,” said Yakub.

He said that commitments with Belize, the Dominican Republic and the general manager of the OECs are underway to establish a regional framework for technical assistance.

“One of our volunteers in Jamaica has popularized to (Yoruba Fabric Design), which has become so popular that the Jamaicans now produce it locally, calling him JaDire. They even export it to the United States,” he said.

In addition to diplomacy and development, Yakub said: “Tac is becoming a platform that generates revenue. Jamaica has formally requested 400 experts, who are willing to pay. Instead of importing work from Asia, they want Nigerian professionals.

“We are exporting the human capital of Nigeria with dignity, creating opportunities for our people and strengthening Nigeria leadership throughout the global south,” he said.

The general manager observed that the TAC initiative aligns with the 4D foreign policy of President Tinubu: democracy, development, diaspora and demography.

“It is strengthening the global influence of Nigeria while promoting professional development, cultural exchange and solidarity with historically connected nations,” he said.