Nigeria begins deployment of experts to OECS, signs manpower deal with Saint Lucia
By Kunle Sanni –
Nigeria has officially launched a new technical assistance initiative in the Caribbean with the signing of a bilateral agreement with Saint Lucia.
According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Spokesperson to the President, the agreement—focused on deploying skilled Nigerian professionals to the island nation—was signed in Castries on Wednesday.
The accord was signed by Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (TAC), and Janelle Modeste-Stephen, Acting Permanent Secretary in Saint Lucia’s Ministry of External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation, and Diaspora Affairs.
Describing the agreement as “a great achievement,” Yakub said it aligns directly with President Bola Tinubu’s foreign policy vision of deepening regional partnerships, promoting cultural ties, and enhancing Nigeria’s global presence through human capital development.
Under the agreement, Nigeria will deploy professionals—including teachers, medical practitioners, and agriculturists—for two-year volunteer assignments in Saint Lucia and other Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) member countries. Nigeria will cover allowances and international logistics, while host countries will provide local accommodation and support.
“This achievement comes just days after the President’s directive to deploy technical aid to Saint Lucia and the wider OECS region,” Yakub stated. “We are not merely exporting professionals; we are reconnecting with our diaspora and contributing to shared development.”
He noted that the programme had been largely dormant until its revival under President Tinubu’s administration in 2023. Since then, over 300 Nigerian experts have been deployed across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.
Current deployments include Liberia, Sierra Leone, Jamaica, and soon Grenada, where six medical doctors are scheduled to arrive on July 9. In addition, four nurses will depart Abuja for Jamaica on Thursday.
