São Tomé, August 2025 – In a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic and developmental engagement with São Tomé and Príncipe, the Nigerian Embassy in São Tomé warmly welcomed a high-level delegation from Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps (TAC), led by Ambassador S.D. Muhammed and Mr. Lawandy Bala. The team was received by the Charge d’Affaires (CDA) of the Embassy, His Excellency Dr. Christopher Nwanoro, amid an atmosphere of cordiality and mutual respect.
The delegation’s visit underscores Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to international cooperation through technical support, particularly in the fields of health services and education. The Technical Aid Corps Scheme, a flagship program under Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deploys professionals such as doctors, teachers, nurses, engineers, and other specialists to African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries in need of technical expertise. The program not only fosters human capital development in partner countries but also enhances Nigeria’s soft power and global goodwill.
Speaking during the visit, Ambassador S.D. Muhammed expressed satisfaction with the progress of Nigeria’s engagement with São Tomé and Príncipe. He noted that the TAC Scheme has been instrumental in bridging knowledge and capacity gaps in various sectors within the island nation.
“This visit reaffirms Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to South-South cooperation and our determination to promote African solidarity through capacity building,” Ambassador Muhammed said. “Our technical aid volunteers continue to make meaningful impact, especially in the areas of education and healthcare, which are critical pillars for national development.”
Mr. Lawandy Bala, another key official of the delegation, emphasized the importance of continued partnership and strategic alignment between the two countries. “We are here to evaluate ongoing support, assess current needs, and explore new areas where Nigeria’s technical experts can further contribute to São Tomé and Príncipe’s national priorities,” he stated.
In his welcome remarks, HE Dr. Christopher Nwanoro commended the delegation for their visit and reiterated the Embassy’s full support for the objectives of the Technical Aid Corps Scheme. He described the program as a living proof of Nigeria’s Pan-African spirit and commitment to shared growth.
“Nigeria’s relationship with São Tomé and Príncipe has evolved into a strong bond anchored on mutual respect and developmental cooperation,” Dr. Nwanoro said. “Through initiatives like TAC, we are not only exporting our expertise but also building bridges of friendship, trust, and sustainable development across Africa.”
The delegation’s visit also provided an opportunity to engage with key stakeholders in the host country, including ministries and institutions that currently benefit from Nigerian professionals. These interactions are expected to lead to a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will expand the scope of Nigeria’s technical contributions in São Tomé and Príncipe, particularly in underserved rural areas.
The Embassy of Nigeria in São Tomé and Príncipe continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring that Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives translate into tangible benefits for both countries. The warm reception of the delegation and the strategic discussions held during the visit highlight a shared vision of cooperation and progress.
As Nigeria continues to prioritize regional collaboration and global partnerships, the success of programs like the Technical Aid Corps Scheme remains a testament to the country’s leadership role in Africa’s development journey.
