President Tinubu urges Nigerians in the diaspora to move beyond remittances and invest capital, expertise and technology in Nigeria at NIDEC 2026.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians living abroad to move beyond remittances and invest their capital, expertise, technology and global networks in Nigeria to accelerate economic development.
Tinubu made the call on Friday while declaring open the three-day Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NIDEC) 2026 at the Apollo Convention Centre in Toronto, Canada. His Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, represented him at the conference.
The conference, organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), is the first of its kind and is themed, “Thrive Abroad, Invest in Nigeria.”
The President described Nigerians in the diaspora as important ambassadors of the country, commending their resilience, enterprise and contributions to the global economy.
He said the Federal Government recognised the economic, intellectual and professional value of Nigerians abroad and was working to create an environment that would enable them to contribute more directly to national development.
“Nigeria sees you. Nigeria values you. Nigeria needs you,” Tinubu told hundreds of Nigerians and other stakeholders at the conference.
Tinubu urged Nigerians abroad to regard Nigeria as a prime destination for investment, entrepreneurship and professional expertise.
He called on the diaspora to bring home not only capital but also knowledge, technology, international networks and experience that could help create jobs and expand opportunities for younger Nigerians.
The President said remittances had played an important role in supporting Nigerian households through education, healthcare and small businesses, but argued that they should become “the floor” rather than “the ceiling” of diaspora engagement.
He encouraged Nigerians abroad to move from individual and informal transactions to professionally managed investment clubs, sector-specific funds, co-investment vehicles and venture networks.
Tinubu also advised prospective investors to insist on audited accounts, proper corporate governance and thorough due diligence with the support of credible professional advisers.
The President said Nigeria’s economic indicators pointed to what he described as a country in genuine recovery following three years of reforms.
He cited real GDP growth of 3.89 per cent in the first quarter of 2026 and manufacturing growth of 3.29 per cent, alongside easing inflation.
The International Monetary Fund independently projects Nigeria’s economy to grow by 4.1 per cent in 2026 and says reforms implemented over the past three years have improved macroeconomic stability and resilience. The IMF, however, also cautioned that economic conditions remain difficult for many Nigerians, with poverty and food insecurity continuing to pose significant challenges.
Tinubu also pointed to the government’s new tax architecture, infrastructure investments and increased financing for businesses as measures intended to improve the investment environment.
He said the Bank of Industry recorded its highest annual financing volume in 2025, disbursing N636 billion to businesses across the country.
The President added that the Federal Government was continuing investments in roads, railways, ports, electricity, digital connectivity, healthcare, housing and agricultural value chains.
Tinubu said the government had a responsibility to provide Nigerians abroad with predictable rules, transparent investment opportunities, efficient consular services and stronger protection against fraud.
He highlighted the Non-Resident Nigerian Ordinary Account, Non-Resident Nigerian Investment Account and Non-Resident Bank Verification Number as measures designed to make it easier for Nigerians abroad to participate in the country’s financial system.
The President also said diaspora investment could give Nigerians abroad greater economic influence in national affairs.
He linked economic participation to broader questions such as diaspora voting, arguing that increased economic power would strengthen the diaspora’s voice in national conversations.
The President also appealed to Nigerians in the diaspora to promote unity ahead of the 2027 general election cycle.
While acknowledging political competition as a feature of democracy, he warned that partisan interests should not be allowed to threaten Nigeria’s stability.
Tinubu said the country’s economic recovery and development required political stability, security and an investment-friendly environment.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the conference provided an opportunity to deepen Nigeria’s engagement with its citizens abroad.
Dabiri-Erewa urged Nigerians in the diaspora to view Nigeria not only as their home but also as a destination for investment.
The conference brought together Nigerian diaspora professionals, investors, government officials and other stakeholders, with the aim of developing stronger economic partnerships between Nigerians abroad and the domestic economy.
The conference was attended by several state governors, members of the Federal Executive Council and senior government officials.
The Federal Government’s push comes against a backdrop of rising interest in diaspora capital as Nigeria seeks to diversify its sources of investment and strengthen foreign exchange inflows. The IMF has noted that diaspora remittances have improved since mid-2023, supported partly by foreign-exchange reforms and a more market-determined exchange-rate system.
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