By Omoyeni Ojeifo
As part of efforts to sustain Nigeria’s technical assistance programmes across Africa and the wider developing world, the Federal Government says it will provide fresh funding for the exhausted $25 million Nigerian Technical Cooperation Fund.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, gave the assurance while receiving Director-General of the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa, retired Col. Garba Moyi Isa, in Abuja.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, disclosed this in a statement emailed to Perscondnews on Friday.
Isa congratulated Enikanolaiye on his appointment and expressed optimism about working closely with him during his tenure.
He also briefed the minister on the Directorate’s mandate of advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy through technical cooperation founded on mutual respect, partnership and a shared commitment to development.
Isa said discussions centred on implementing the Directorate’s Establishment Act, replenishing the Nigerian Technical Cooperation Fund, office accommodation, budgetary constraints, inadequate operational vehicles and critical infrastructure needs.
The Director-General noted the original 25-million-dollar Nigerian Technical Cooperation Fund had been fully utilised, underscoring the urgent need for fresh funding to sustain Nigeria’s technical assistance programmes.
Enikanolaiye assured Isa the concerns raised would be brought to relevant government authorities for appropriate action.
He also promised to support replenishing the fund, advocate improved budgetary allocations and timely releases, facilitate suitable office accommodation, strengthen partnerships with regional and international development institutions, and enhance the Directorate’s visibility.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s strategic interests through technical cooperation and development diplomacy.
Isa thanked the minister for the assurances and expressed confidence that sustained government support and strategic guidance would expand the Directorate’s reach and contribute meaningfully to achieving the Federal Government’s foreign policy objectives.