By Kazeem Ugbodaga
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians living abroad to move beyond sending remittances and channel more of their capital, expertise, technology and global networks into productive investments in Nigeria.
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.
The President, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, described Nigerians in the diaspora as important ambassadors of the country whose achievements across different sectors had demonstrated the talent, resilience and ingenuity of Nigerians.
Speaking on the theme, “Thrive Abroad, Invest in Nigeria,” Tinubu said his administration recognised the economic, intellectual and professional value of the Nigerian diaspora and was committed to creating an environment in which they could contribute more meaningfully to national development.
“Nigeria sees you. Nigeria values you. Nigeria needs you,” the President told hundreds of Nigerians and other stakeholders attending the conference.
He urged Nigerians abroad to consider Nigeria a prime investment destination and bring home not only their financial resources, but also knowledge, technology, international experience and business networks.
Tinubu said such contributions would help accelerate economic development and create opportunities for younger Nigerians.
He also encouraged diaspora investors to move away from isolated and personality-driven transactions towards professionally managed investment structures, including investment clubs, sector funds, co-investment vehicles and venture networks.
He advised prospective investors to pool capital, demand audited accounts, insist on sound corporate governance and conduct proper due diligence with credible professional advisers.
The President said the Federal Government, for its part, had a responsibility to provide predictable rules, transparent project pipelines, efficient consular services and stronger safeguards against fraud to encourage greater diaspora participation.
He identified the Non-Resident Nigerian Ordinary Account, Non-Resident Nigerian Investment Account and Non-Resident Bank Verification Number as practical measures aimed at making it easier for Nigerians abroad to participate in the domestic financial system.
Tinubu acknowledged the importance of diaspora remittances, which he said continue to support millions of Nigerian households through school fees, medical expenses and small businesses.
However, he argued that remittances should serve as only the starting point for diaspora engagement with Nigeria.
“Remittances, though invaluable in sustaining millions of Nigerian households, must now become the floor of diaspora engagement rather than its ceiling,” he said.
To strengthen his investment appeal, the President highlighted economic indicators which he said pointed to improving macroeconomic conditions.
He cited real Gross Domestic Product growth of 3.89 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, 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.
Tinubu also cited an International Monetary Fund projection of 4.1 per cent economic growth for Nigeria in 2026, while noting that the World Bank had recognised progress in restoring macroeconomic stability and strengthening the country’s external and fiscal position.
He said the government’s reforms included a new tax architecture aimed at simplifying compliance and reducing the burden on low-income earners and small businesses.
The President further disclosed that the Bank of Industry recorded its highest annual financing volume in 2025, disbursing N636 billion to businesses across the country.
He listed ongoing government investments in roads, railways, ports, electricity, digital connectivity, healthcare, housing and agricultural value chains as areas offering opportunities for sustainable investment.
Tinubu also urged the diaspora to maintain unity ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that political competition should not be allowed to undermine Nigeria’s stability.
While commending Nigerians abroad for their contributions to the country’s image and economy, he said the government would continue working to improve the business environment and create opportunities for productive investment.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the conference offered an opportunity to deepen engagement with Nigerians abroad and harness their expertise for faster economic growth.
Dabiri-Erewa urged Nigerians in the diaspora to see Nigeria not only as their home but also as an investment destination, encouraging them to explore opportunities across sectors.
Tinubu also commended Dabiri-Erewa and the NiDCOM team for organising the first Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference.
The conference attracted some state governors, members of the Federal Executive Council and other senior government officials, alongside Nigerians and stakeholders from the diaspora.
The event marked a renewed push by the Federal Government to transform diaspora engagement from a predominantly remittance-based relationship into a broader partnership centred on investment, knowledge transfer, entrepreneurship and national development.
