Nigeria Strengthens South–South Cooperation Through Strategic Bilateral Engagement in Trinidad and Tobago

Joel Ajayi

The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening South–South Cooperation through a high-level bilateral engagement in Trinidad and Tobago.

In a statement Signed by the Head, Information and  Public Relations Unit Nigerian Technical Aid Corps Ministry of Foreign Affairs O. A. Olubunmi on Friday in Abuja reveals that the delegation, led by the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NTAC, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, undertook the official visit on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as part of ongoing efforts to expand Nigeria’s diplomatic reach and consolidate mutually beneficial partnerships with Caribbean nations.

As part of the visit, the delegation held strategic engagements with officials at the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as at the Nigerian Embassy in the country. These meetings focused on enhancing bilateral relations and advancing cooperation within the South–South framework.

The engagement reflects the Tinubu administration’s strong commitment to fostering collaboration among developing countries, particularly in the areas of technical assistance, capacity building, education, healthcare, and cultural exchange. It also aligns with Nigeria’s broader foreign policy objectives of promoting solidarity, shared prosperity, and sustainable development across the Global South.

During the discussions, the NTAC delegation interacted with key government stakeholders in Trinidad and Tobago, exploring opportunities to deepen collaboration under the South–South Cooperation framework. 

The meeting was attended by the Chargé d’Affaires a.i., Dankaro Angye Ashumate, alongside the Head of Chancery, Mrs. Linda Hills—underscoring the importance both nations attach to strengthening diplomatic and development ties.

The talks highlighted Nigeria’s longstanding leadership in technical aid delivery, driven by the strategic deployment of skilled professionals to partner countries. Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to broaden the scope of its technical assistance programmes in Trinidad and Tobago, building on shared history and cultural affinity.

He emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of positioning Nigeria as a key driver of development cooperation and a dependable partner in addressing common challenges facing developing nations.

The delegation also included the Director of Programmes, Ambassador Bello Jaye, and other senior officials of the Corps, whose contributions helped identify priority areas for future collaboration.

The visit further showcased Nigeria’s achievements under the Technical Aid Corps Scheme, which has facilitated the deployment of thousands of professionals to countries across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific over the years.

This engagement marks another important step in strengthening Nigeria–Trinidad and Tobago relations and reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to the principles of mutual respect, shared development, and effective South–South Cooperation.

The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps remains dedicated to promoting international collaboration through the strategic deployment of Nigeria’s skilled manpower, in line with global best practices and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.