By Boluwatife Oshadiya | August 17, 2026
Key Points
- Urges Nigerians abroad to move beyond remittances and invest capital, expertise, technology and networks in the domestic economy
- Cites 3.89% first-quarter 2026 GDP growth, 15.91% inflation and $45.4 billion in foreign reserves as signs of economic recovery
- Calls for professionally governed diaspora investment clubs, sector funds and co-investment vehicles to channel diaspora wealth into productive investments
Main Story
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians in the diaspora to make Nigeria a destination for investment, expertise and entrepreneurial activity, as the Federal Government seeks to deepen diaspora participation in economic development.
Tinubu made the call while declaring open the Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NiDEC) 2026 in Canada, where his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, represented him. The conference, organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), was held under the theme, “Invest Nigeria, Thrive Abroad.”
The President described Nigerians abroad as important ambassadors whose achievements demonstrate the talent and resilience of the Nigerian people. He said the Federal Government recognised their economic, intellectual and professional contributions and was implementing reforms aimed at improving the investment environment.
Tinubu cited real gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 3.89% in the first quarter of 2026, manufacturing growth of 3.29%, inflation of 15.91% and foreign reserves of $45.4 billion at the end of 2025 as indicators of improving macroeconomic conditions.
He also referenced the International Monetary Fund’s 4.1% growth projection for Nigeria in 2026 and World Bank assessments of progress in macroeconomic stability, external finances and fiscal conditions.
The President said remittances, which support millions of Nigerian households, should become the starting point rather than the limit of diaspora engagement. He urged Nigerians abroad to pool resources through professionally governed investment clubs, sector funds, co-investment vehicles and venture networks.
“Nigeria sees you. Nigeria values you. Nigeria needs you,” President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said.
Tinubu also pointed to the Non-Resident Nigerian Ordinary Account, Non-Resident Nigerian Investment Account and Non-Resident Bank Verification Number as measures intended to make participation in Nigeria’s financial system easier for Nigerians living abroad.
The President further urged the diaspora to bring knowledge, technology, international networks and professional experience into Nigeria alongside capital.
What’s Being Said
“Beyond the significant financial contributions, our diaspora community brings skills, knowledge, and global exposure that are vital to Nigeria’s growth. NIDEC 2026 will connect these professionals directly with investment-ready opportunities back home,” said Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.
Dabiri-Erewa said the conference was designed to deepen engagement with Nigerians abroad through investment opportunities, business partnerships and sector-focused initiatives.
What’s Next
- The Federal Government is expected to continue developing mechanisms that allow Nigerians abroad to participate more easily in the domestic financial and investment system
- NiDCOM is expected to build on NiDEC through investment partnerships, business matchmaking and engagement with diaspora professionals and investors
- Diaspora investors are being encouraged to undertake due diligence and use formal governance structures before committing capital to investment opportunities in Nigeria
The Bottom Line:
Nigeria is seeking to shift diaspora engagement from primarily household-supporting remittances toward structured capital, expertise and long-term investment. The success of that strategy will depend on whether the investment environment can provide the predictable rules, transparency, governance and protection that diaspora investors need to commit capital at scale.
