Nigeria to commence global labour export as NTAC deploys medical experts abroad

The Nigeria Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) has announced plans to begin the international export of Nigerian labour within the coming weeks.

This was disclosed in Abuja during the flag-off ceremony for the deployment of 35 medical volunteers to Zanzibar, Tanzania. The Director-General of the Corps, Alhaji Yusuf Buba, revealed that the Government of Jamaica had already submitted a request to engage 400 Nigerian professionals for a fee, an initiative aimed at tackling unemployment.

According to Alhaji Buba, several other countries have also expressed interest in engaging Nigerian experts, with the legal processes already underway through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

He attributed this growing demand to Nigeria’s foreign policy direction, which, he said, has significantly strengthened diplomatic and economic ties across Africa.

“Today, the government is facilitating the departure of 35 medical practitioners. Why is this important for Nigeria? Because Nigeria is a major power on the African continent. In the spirit of South-South cooperation and Pan-Africanism, we must continue to share our human resources with our fellow Africans and others across the globe,” he said.

Citing recent developments, Buba referenced a public commendation by the President of The Gambia to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for bringing Africa to the forefront through proactive leadership. He emphasised that such recognition stems from the deliberate export of Nigerian expertise.

Currently, intra-African business activity remains low. But with President Tinubu’s 4D foreign policy initiative, we are gradually seeing stronger unity and cooperation across the continent,” he stated.

He encouraged the volunteers to uphold Nigeria’s reputation by being exemplary in their service.

“They are going abroad to serve humanity for a limited time and will return to continue their careers in Nigeria. Nigerians are industrious, and our volunteers have taken up leadership roles in various countries. In The Gambia, for instance, we have vice chancellors, deputy vice chancellors, and even judges. We urge our volunteers to give their best and promote Nigeria’s image positively,” he said.

The NTAC Director-General further explained that the agency is transforming into a revenue-generating institution due to the increasing global demand for skilled Nigerian professionals.

During my recent visit to Jamaica, we proposed a model whereby Nigeria would provide services for a fee, considering the high performance of our volunteers. Jamaica has now applied for 400 Nigerian expatriates who will be fully funded by their government,” he explained.

“This approach not only turns NTAC into a source of revenue but also directly addresses the issue of unemployment. Many young Nigerians, driven by desperation, engage in irregular migration. With this initiative, we are creating legal and structured pathways for Nigerians to find work abroad and earn foreign income for the country.”

He said the process is now at an advanced stage and that labour export with dignity would soon commence, helping reduce the country’s unemployment rate.

Regarding the integrity of the programme, Alhaji Buba noted that volunteers are carefully selected and trained, reducing incidents of misconduct or desertion.

“There are strict consequences for defaulters. However, our rigorous screening process ensures that only the best are selected. Our goal is to project Nigeria’s image positively, and we are succeeding in that regard,” he added.

He cited further examples of success stories: “In The Gambia, our professors are leading university administrations. In Jamaica, one of our volunteers has popularised adire, our indigenous fabric. It has become so embraced that it is now branded Jadiré, with a textile factory established there. There was even a recent exhibition of Jadiré in the United States, led by our volunteer.”

He added that exposure to other cultures, in addition to the technical knowledge acquired, enables returning volunteers to contribute meaningfully to national development.

“When Nigerians return from these assignments, they come back with enhanced skills and broader worldviews. It also fosters cultural exchange, which builds mutual respect and understanding. That is essential for global peace and cooperation.”

Two of the volunteers, nurses Mohammed Garba and Maryjane Okezie, described the opportunity as a privilege to serve and represent Nigeria.

“My name is Mohammed Garba. I am a paediatric nurse. I consider this an opportunity to serve humanity and promote Nigeria’s image positively. We intend to give our best and be good ambassadors,” said Garba.

Okezie Maryjane Nzubechi, a registered nurse, added: “We must care for the sick in Zanzibar. We are grateful for this chance and will represent Nigeria in the best light possible.”

Correspondent Sandra Udeike reports that, since its establishment 38 years ago, the Nigeria Technical Aid Corps has deployed over 10,000 Nigerian professionals to countries across the globe.