Nigeria has signed a Technical Manpower Assistance (TMA) agreement with Saint Lucia, paving the way for the deployment of skilled Nigerian professionals to the Caribbean nation and other member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
The agreement represents a significant step in South-South cooperation and aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s foreign policy agenda aimed at strengthening ties with Africa’s diaspora.
The deal was signed on Wednesday at the Ministry of External Affairs in Castries, Saint Lucia, by the Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (TAC), Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, and Janelle Modeste-Stephen, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs of Saint Lucia.
Describing the agreement as a major achievement, Yakub said the development was a direct outcome of President Tinubu’s recent visit to Saint Lucia and his directive to revive and expand Nigeria’s technical aid to the Caribbean and OECS nations.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Yakub said, “This is an outstanding achievement, just days after Mr. President’s directive to deploy technical aid to Saint Lucia and the wider OECS.”
Under the agreement, Nigeria will deploy expert volunteers—including teachers, medical professionals, agriculturists, and other skilled workers—on two-year assignments in Saint Lucia and other interested countries. Nigeria will cover their allowances and travel costs, while host countries will provide accommodation and local support.
Yakub emphasized the cultural and historical importance of the initiative, highlighting its broader educational and cultural exchange plans announced by President Tinubu during his recent address to Saint Lucia’s bicameral legislature.
“These students who will benefit from the scholarship will have a chance to reconnect with their roots and heritage,” Yakub said.
Since assuming office in May 2023, the Tinubu administration has prioritized repositioning Nigeria as a leader in the Global South.
Yakub revealed that over 300 Nigerian professionals have already been deployed to various countries across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific under the revitalized TAC scheme.
“Since my appointment in August, we’ve deployed volunteers to Liberia, Sierra Leone, Jamaica, and other African nations. This programme was nearly dormant, but Mr. President revived it with his strong foreign policy vision,” Yakub said.
He also announced plans for additional deployments.
“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 9,” he said.
Beyond Saint Lucia, Nigeria is in discussions with Belize, the Dominican Republic, and the OECS Commission to establish a regional framework for coordinated technical assistance.
Yakub also highlighted the cultural impact of the programme, noting how a Nigerian volunteer in Jamaica introduced Adire, the traditional Yoruba fabric art, which has become popular under the name Jadire and is now locally produced and exported to the United States.
He noted that the TAC programme is also showing signs of becoming a revenue-generating initiative.
“Jamaica has formally requested 400 experts, who are willing to pay. Instead of importing labour from Asia, they want Nigerian professionals,” he said.
“We are exporting Nigeria’s human capital with dignity, creating opportunities for our people, and reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership across the Global South,” Yakub stated.
He said the renewed TAC initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s 4D foreign policy doctrine—Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography—and is playing a key role in strengthening Nigeria’s soft power abroad.
“This is about diplomacy with a human face. It’s about cultural exchange, professional empowerment, and strategic cooperation rooted in shared history and mutual growth,” Yakub said.
The agreement with Saint Lucia is the first formal TMA pact to emerge from President Tinubu’s Caribbean visit, which has also included discussions on education scholarships, trade, and cultural diplomacy.
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