‘The world is evolving’ — Tuggar signals repositioning of technical aid corps

Yusuf Tuggar, the minister of foreign affairs, says there is a need for the repositioning of the directorate of technical aid corps (DTAC).

The directorate manages TAC, a voluntary international service scheme, whereby highly skilled Nigerians, particularly young people, volunteer to serve in developing countries for a two-year period. 

The directorate is designed to share Nigeria’s human resources with other countries, including those from Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP).

Speaking at an event organised by DTAC,  Tuggar said the current structure of the directorate is no longer in sync with the present realities of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives and realities, “because the world is evolving”.

“Let’s tell ourselves the truth, the way and manner DTAC has been structured is no longer in sync with the realities on the ground.

“The world has changed, so also the priorities have changed, and that’s why we need to reposition the technical aid corps.”

The minister said the proramme is “perhaps the most effective foreign policy instrument” that Nigeria has, adding that President Bola Tinubu is interested in strengthening the nation’s foreign policy.

In August, Tinubu approved the appointment of Yusuf Yakub as the director and CEO of the DTAC.

Tuggar said Yakub, a former member of the house of representatives, has the capacity to improve the agency.

“He has the ability to see how the laws can be reviewed and be improved upon in order to position DTAC in a way that it can perform and deliver for Nigeria, the same way President Bola Tinubu’s administration is determined to deliver for Nigerians,” he said.

”So, when we say democracy, we are looking at strengthening democratic institutions, not only in our region West Africa, but Africa as a whole and to support democracy worldwide.

“Because without democracy, there will be no development so, to strengthen these democratic institutions, you need the technical aid corps, so I will love to see the repositioning of DTAC.”