President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians living abroad to move beyond sending remittances home and begin investing directly in Nigeria’s economy.
Mr Tinubu made the call while declaring open the three-day Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NIDEC) 2026 at the Apollo Convention Centre in Toronto, Canada.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, the president said Nigerians in the diaspora had demonstrated that the Nigerian spirit could compete successfully on the global stage.
He said their growing economic influence could also strengthen their voice in national affairs, including future discussions on diaspora voting.
“Nigeria sees you. Nigeria values you. Nigeria needs you,” Mr Tinubu told hundreds of Nigerians and other stakeholders at the conference.
The conference, organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), is themed “Thrive Abroad, Invest in Nigeria.”
Mr Tinubu said remittances remained important to millions of Nigerian families, supporting education, healthcare and small businesses, but should become “the floor of diaspora engagement rather than its ceiling”.
He urged Nigerians abroad to invest in sectors including agro-processing, healthcare, technology, energy, housing, logistics, mining, education, creative industries and export manufacturing.
The president also encouraged diaspora investors to pool their resources through professionally managed investment clubs, sector funds, co-investment vehicles and venture networks.
He said such investments should be backed by proper governance, audited accounts, due diligence and credible professional advisers.
Tinubu highlights economic reforms
Mr Tinubu said Nigeria’s economic indicators showed signs of recovery, citing real GDP growth of 3.89% in the first quarter of 2026, manufacturing growth of 3.29% and inflation falling to 15.91%.
He also pointed to Nigeria’s foreign reserves, which he said stood at $45.4bn at the end of 2025.
The president said the International Monetary Fund had projected Nigeria’s economy to grow by 4.1% in 2026.
He attributed the improvement to economic reforms implemented by his administration over the past three years, saying they had strengthened the country’s macroeconomic resilience.
Mr Tinubu also highlighted government investments in roads, railways, ports, electricity, digital connectivity, healthcare, housing and agricultural value chains.
He said a new tax system was being introduced to simplify compliance and reduce pressure on low-income earners and small businesses.
The president added that the Bank of Industry recorded its highest annual financing volume in 2025, disbursing N636bn to businesses across the country.
He said the government owed Nigerians abroad predictable rules, transparent investment opportunities, efficient consular services and stronger protection against fraud.
Diaspora investment can strengthen Nigeria
Mr Tinubu said initiatives such as the Non-Resident Nigerian Ordinary Account, Non-Resident Nigerian Investment Account and Non-Resident Bank Verification Number would help Nigerians abroad participate more easily in the country’s financial system.
He also appealed for unity ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying political competition should not undermine national stability.
“While political contest is a feature of democracy, no partisan interest should be allowed to threaten the stability of our country,” he said.
NiDCOM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Abike Dabiri-Erewa said the conference was designed to deepen engagement with Nigerians abroad and harness their expertise for national development.
She urged members of the diaspora to view Nigeria not only as their home but also as an investment destination.
Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo praised the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, saying they could help Nigeria attract investment and compete for global capital.
Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal said the conference offered his administration an opportunity to position the state to attract new investments.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, also called for a shift from discussions to actual investment.
“The best time for investment is now,” she said.
The conference brought together government officials, investors, business leaders and Nigerians in the diaspora to explore ways of strengthening economic ties and increasing investment flows into Nigeria.
Other speakers included Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria Revenue Service Chairman Zach Adedeji, NIPC chief Pius Ukeyima, SMEDAN Director-General Charles Odii and NOA Director-General Lanre Issa-Onilu.
The Canadian delegation was led by Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism Graham McGregor.
The conference also featured panel discussions, investment pitches and sessions focused on Nigeria’s economic reforms and opportunities for diaspora investors.
