President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians in the diaspora to do more than return money to Nigeria, but contribute more to the country’s economic growth thru direct investment, experience, technology and global business networks.
Tinubu made the request when declaring open the three-day Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NIDEC) 2026 at the Apollo Convention Center, Toronto, Canada. The President was represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The conference is conducted by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to foster economic linkages between Nigeria and her diaspora population and provide opportunities for investment and partnerships.
Tinubu praised Nigerians in the diaspora as essential ambassadors of the country, commending their successes and efforts in various areas of the global economy.
He urged them to see Nigeria as an investment destination, explaining that the ongoing government changes were aimed at enhancing the business environment, boosting the economy and unleashing prospects for sustainable investment.
“Nigeria is watching you. Nigeria is grateful.” “You are needed in Nigeria,” the President told delegates at the summit.
He also urged Nigerians living overseas to bring back more than financial resources to Nigeria and to bring their expertise, technology, professional experience and international contacts to help speed progress.
“Remittances have been important in helping millions of Nigerian families but it should be the floor and not the ceiling of diaspora engagement,” Tinubu said.
He advocated the establishment of professionally managed investment clubs, sector funds, co-investment vehicles and venture networks thru which diaspora Nigerians can pool resources and participate in promising Nigerian firms and projects.
The President also emphasised the necessity for good corporate governance, audited finances, due diligence and the engagement of reliable professional advisers to protect investors.
“The government must give predictable regulations, transparent investment opportunities, efficient consular services and stronger protection against fraud for diaspora investors,” Tinubu added.
He said the measures such as the Non-Resident Nigerian Ordinary Account, Non-Resident Nigerian Investment Account and Non-Resident Bank Verification Number were to facilitate the participation of Nigerians abroad in the country’s financial system.
The President also said that recent economic statistics showed that Nigeria was on a road to recovery after three years of reforms.
He cited real GDP growth of 3.89 per cent, manufacturing growth of 3.29 per cent, inflation of 15.91 per cent and foreign reserves of $45.4 billion at the end of 2025, all in the first quarter of 2026.
He said the International Monetary Fund had also forecasted that Nigeria’s economy will grow by 4.1 per cent in 2026 while the World Bank had commended progress in restoring macroeconomic stability and enhancing the country’s fiscal and external position.
He also noted that diaspora wealth may help speed growth in areas like infrastructure investments in roads, trains, ports, power, digital connection, healthcare, housing and agricultural value chains.
“Political competition must not be allowed to undermine the stability of the country,” Tinubu said, calling for unity as Nigeria heads toward the 2027 general elections.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, NiDCOM said the conference was an opportunity to increase engagement with Nigerians in the diaspora and utilise their skills, wealth and networks for national development.
The NIDEC 2026 program is investment, policy, capital markets, technology and sector opportunities led, with topics including agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, renewable energy, fintech and digital innovation.
The meeting will take place in the Toronto/Mississauga area from August 13 – 15, 2026, under the topic, “Invest Nigeria, Thrive Abroad.”
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