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By Kenneth Udeh, Abuja
Members of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Nigerians serving abroad under the Technical Aid Corps (TAC) Scheme, as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives and deepen diplomatic relations across Africa.
The assurance was given during an oversight visit to the United Republic of Tanzania, where members of the Committee held an interactive session with Nigerian Technical Aid Corps volunteers serving in the East African nation.
The delegation was led by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, and included Senator Orji Uzor Kalu alongside other members of the Committee and the Nigerian Ambassador to Tanzania.
The interactive session formed part of the Committee’s constitutional oversight responsibilities aimed at assessing the welfare, working conditions, and contributions of Nigerians deployed under the Technical Aid Corps programme.
Discussions during the engagement centred on the living and working conditions of the volunteers, the challenges they face while carrying out their assignments, and the positive impact they continue to make in their host communities through knowledge transfer and capacity building.
The lawmakers commended the dedication and professionalism of the volunteers, describing them as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria who continue to project the country’s image positively on the continent.
Speaking during the engagement, members of the Committee noted that the Technical Aid Corps Scheme remains one of Nigeria’s most successful foreign policy instruments, promoting South-South cooperation and strengthening diplomatic ties with African nations through technical assistance and human capital development.
They observed that beyond rendering professional services in education, healthcare, agriculture and other critical sectors, TAC volunteers have continued to foster goodwill and mutual understanding between Nigeria and beneficiary countries.
The Committee particularly lauded the patriotism and selfless service of the volunteers, noting that their contributions reflect Nigeria’s enduring commitment to African solidarity and regional development.
“The Technical Aid Corps volunteers are outstanding ambassadors of our country. Through their knowledge, expertise and commitment to service, they continue to support development initiatives while strengthening Nigeria’s friendship and cooperation with other African nations,” Senator Kalu stated.
The Senators assured the volunteers that the National Assembly remains committed to ensuring that programmes and policies that promote their welfare receive the necessary legislative support.
They further pledged to continue providing oversight that would strengthen the implementation of the Technical Aid Corps Scheme and address issues affecting Nigerians serving under the programme abroad.
According to the lawmakers, investing in the welfare of TAC volunteers is not only an investment in the individuals serving the nation but also in Nigeria’s diplomatic influence and soft power across the African continent.
The Nigerian Ambassador to Tanzania, who participated in the interactive session, also commended the volunteers for their exemplary conduct and contributions to the country’s bilateral relations with Tanzania.
The Senate Committee reiterated that Nigeria’s foreign policy must continue to prioritise initiatives that showcase the nation’s human capital and promote mutually beneficial partnerships with other countries.
Established in 1987, the Technical Aid Corps Scheme is one of Nigeria’s flagship foreign policy initiatives designed to provide skilled manpower assistance to developing countries, particularly within Africa, while fostering international cooperation and strengthening diplomatic relations.
Through the programme, thousands of Nigerian professionals have been deployed over the years to offer technical expertise in various sectors, further cementing Nigeria’s role as a leading contributor to development efforts across the continent.
The Committee’s engagement with TAC volunteers in Tanzania underscores the Senate’s resolve to ensure that Nigerians serving abroad are adequately supported as they continue to advance the country’s diplomatic, developmental and strategic interests on the global stage.
