By Maureen Okon
The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) and the Environmental Resource Innovation and Development Network (ERIDN) are to collaborate in promoting marine environment protection and sustainable development.
The partnership is for economic growth across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP) countries in a bid to advance the South-South Cooperation and Nigeria’s new skilled export initiative.
Their collaboration is contained in statement signed on Friday by Mr Nkem Anyata-Lafia, the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Director-General (D-G) of NTAC, Mr Yusuf Yakub.
Anyata-Lafia quoted Yakub to have given the assurance during a courtesy visit paid by a delegation from ERIDN to the NTAC Complex in Abuja.
The D-G reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to deepening South-South Cooperation among ACP countries.
He said NTAC was ready to collaborate with civil society organisations on initiatives of mutual interest, particularly those focused on protecting marine resources and harnessing them for economic empowerment.
He also disclosed to the delegation NTAC’s new initiative to export Nigeria’s skilled manpower abroad for a fee.
According to him, the first agreement with Jamaica will be finalised in a matter of days and is expected to open the floodgates for regular migration of Nigerian youths, creating benefits for participants and for Nigeria.
“NTAC remains open to partnerships with relevant stakeholders whose programmes are consistent with the objectives of the Technical Aid Corps Scheme and Nigeria’s broader commitment to South-South Cooperation,” Yakub said.
He noted that through the deployment of Nigerian professionals under the scheme, Nigeria has continued to contribute to human capacity development and sustainable development in host countries.
The ERIDN delegation, led by Executive Director Dr Amenya Kartay, said the visit was to acknowledge NTAC’s impact and explore practical areas of partnership.
Kartay stated that the organisation was keen on working with NTAC and other stakeholders including United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
Others are the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to develop initiatives that advance environmental sustainability while creating opportunities for economic growth.
Other ERIDN members of the delegation were Director of Finance and Administration, Dr Charity Onene and Programmes and ICT Manager, Mr Tony Melvin.
The high point of the meeting was that both organisations agreed to explore areas of mutual interest to support sustainable development and strengthen Nigeria’s role in South-South Cooperation.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Francis Onyeukwu