The Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Hon. Yusuf Yakub, has unveiled plans to create a legal framework for the structured export of Nigerian professionals. He said the initiative is aimed at tackling irregular migration, popularly known as the “Japa syndrome,” while boosting national revenue through the dignified deployment of the country’s skilled workforce.
Yakub noted that Nigerians have continued to excel internationally, citing examples of citizens serving as vice-chancellors and deputy vice-chancellors in Gambian universities. Since his appointment in August 2023, he explained, NTAC has deployed 396 volunteers across various countries, expanding the agency’s role in soft power diplomacy.
He stressed that the new policy would reposition NTAC as a platform for manpower export, not only to support partner nations but also to generate income and create jobs for unemployed graduates at home. Discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice, he added, have already produced a draft agreement to launch the initiative.
Describing labour export as valuable as crude oil, Yakub said Nigeria is engaging the International Organization for Migration and other global partners to extend the scheme beyond Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific to other parts of the world.
He further disclosed that new partnerships have been established with Grenada, Equatorial Guinea, South Sudan, and Zanzibar, while several other countries have indicated interest. Over 200 volunteers have so far returned from service, more than 300 are currently deployed, and an additional 450 are expected to be sent out by the end of the year.
According to him, the plan will help reduce dangerous migration routes, enhance diaspora remittances, and strengthen Nigeria’s reputation as a reliable source of skilled labour.
