In a major move to deepen diplomatic relations and strengthen South-South cooperation, the Federal Government of Nigeria has begun deploying skilled professionals to Saint Lucia and other Eastern Caribbean countries.
This follows the signing of a new Technical Manpower Assistance (TMA) agreement between Nigeria and Saint Lucia on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Castries, the capital of Saint Lucia.
Representing Nigeria at the signing was Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (TAC), while Janelle Modeste-Stephen, Acting Permanent Secretary of Saint Lucia’s Ministry of External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation, and Diaspora Affairs, signed on behalf of the island nation.
“This is an outstanding achievement, just days after Mr. President’s directive to deploy technical aid to Saint Lucia and the wider OECS,” said Yakub during the signing ceremony.
What the Agreement Covers
Under the new deal, Nigeria will send professionals — including teachers, medical personnel, and agriculturists — to serve in Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) countries for two years.
While Nigeria will take responsibility for the volunteers’ allowances and logistics, host countries like Saint Lucia are expected to provide accommodation and local support.
Over 300 Experts Already on the Move
Yakub revealed that the deployment is part of a broader push that began with the Tinubu administration in May 2023, aimed at exporting Nigerian talent and expertise to other parts of the world.
“Since my appointment in August, we’ve deployed volunteers to Liberia, Sierra Leone, Jamaica, and other African nations,” he said. “Four nurses will depart for Jamaica tomorrow. Additionally, six medical doctors are scheduled to leave for Grenada on July 9th.”
Tied to Tinubu’s 4D Foreign Policy
Yakub emphasised that this renewed push for international volunteerism is in line with President Tinubu’s 4D foreign policy, which focuses on:
- Democracy
- Development
- Diaspora
- Demography
Caribbean Countries Are Eager for Nigerian Talent
According to Yakub, interest in the programme is growing rapidly, especially across the Caribbean.
“Jamaica has formally requested 400 experts, and they are even willing to pay. Instead of importing labour from Asia, they want Nigerian professionals,” he explained.
He also shared a fascinating example of cultural exchange in action:
“One of our volunteers in Jamaica introduced Adire (Yoruba fabric design), which has become so popular that Jamaicans now produce it locally. They even renamed it ‘Jadire’, and it’s now being exported to the United States.”
A Bigger Picture: Education, Culture, and Trade
This deployment of professionals is just one part of a broader strategy rolled out by President Tinubu during his recent diplomatic visit to the Caribbean.