Reverse Linkage

60 REVERSE LINKAGE T he Nigeria Technical Aid Corps (TAC) scheme was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 1987 as an alternative to direct financial aid given to African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries, with the proposition that Nigeria should share its exper- tise through the deployment of Nigerian professionals to recipient countries based on their assessed and perceived human resource needs. Since its inception, the scheme has continued to serve as an instrument of mutual coopera- tion and understanding between Nigeria and the recipient countries. As an indigenous development initiative, it continues to impact the sustainable socio-economic development of recipient countries through the recurrent investment of human resources which has also served to enhance South-South Cooperation (SSC). The principle has been to promote technical cooperation through the sharing of human resources, experience, know- how, equality, solidarity, transparency and accountability, without interference in the internal affairs of the recipient countries, as it is demand driven. Nigeria’s active participation in South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) over the past thirty years is a testament to its commitment towards fulfilling its constitutional mandate which serves as an important medium of foreign policy to promote human capacity development, lasting peace and social justice among the countries of the Global South. The main objectives of the TAC scheme, which is a foreign policy priority, include the sharing of Nigeria’s expertise with other ACP countries, promoting co-operation and understanding between Nigeria and recipient countries, establishing a presence in countries where Nigeria has no diplomatic mission, and facilitating meaningful exchanges in the areas of comparative advantages between Nigeria and the recipient countries. Main areas of engagement The TAC scheme has, so far, been dominant in the follow- ing areas: • The health sector – medical specialists; general practi- tioners; pharmacists; nurses and midwives; nurse tutors; laboratory scientists; medical technologists • The education sector – professors; doctorate teachers; special education teachers; psychologists; professionals in science, education and engineering; vocational trainers • Agriculture and agronomy • Engineering – civil; electrical and electronic; mechanical; hydro; structural • Law • Architecture; estate surveying • Geology • Artisan production – tailoring; dress making; hairdress- ing; bead making; basket weaving; batik making; auto mechanics; aluminium works; welding; iron-bending. Thirty years of contribution to South-South and Triangular Cooperation from Technical Aid Corps, Nigeria Dr. Pius O. Osunyikanmi, Director General and Chief Executive Officer, supported by Dr. Yakubu A. Dadu and Adejare O. Mofolasayo, Directorate of Technical Aid Corps (DTAC), Nigeria A TAC volunteer deployed to Jamaica to teach art Image: DTAC