Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a powerful call to Nigerians in the global diaspora, urging them to transform their financial support for families back home into long-term, sustainable investments that can create jobs, expand businesses and strengthen Nigeria's economic foundation. Speaking at the inaugural Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NiDEC) 2026 in Toronto, Canada, the President described the country as a viable destination for long-term capital and challenged Nigerians abroad to move beyond the traditional reliance on remittances.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, Tinubu told the gathering of government officials, investors, business leaders and members of the diaspora that the time had come for Nigerians abroad to take strategic stakes in the Nigerian economy. "Nigeria sees you. Nigeria values you. Nigeria needs you," the President declared at the Apollo Convention Centre, according to multiple reports. The three-day conference, organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) under the theme "Thrive Abroad, Invest in Nigeria," was designed to connect global Nigerian investors with local entrepreneurs, startups and government leaders to drive economic growth.
Tinubu's message was clear: remittances, while critical to millions of Nigerian households, should become "the floor of diaspora engagement rather than its ceiling." He urged Nigerians abroad to invest in sectors with strong potential for job creation and economic expansion, including agro-processing, healthcare, technology, energy, housing, logistics, mining, education, creative industries and export manufacturing. "Do not merely acquire property in Nigeria; acquire productive stakes in Nigeria," the President said, urging diaspora investors to use Nigeria as a platform for continental expansion under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The President also called for a shift away from scattered, personality-driven transactions towards professionally governed investment clubs, sector funds, co-investment vehicles and venture networks. He stressed the importance of due diligence, audited accounts and proper corporate governance, saying diaspora capital would only flow at scale where investors have confidence in the regulatory and financial environment. The Federal Government, he said, was therefore working to provide predictable rules, transparent project pipelines, efficient consular services and stronger safeguards against fraud. He cited the Non-Resident Nigerian Ordinary Account, Non-Resident Nigerian Investment Account and Non-Resident Bank Verification Number as measures designed to make participation in Nigeria's financial system easier for Nigerians living abroad.
Seeking to strengthen the investment case for Nigeria, Tinubu highlighted recent economic indicators that he said reflected the impact of reforms implemented by his administration over the past three years. The economy grew by 3.89 per cent in real terms in the first quarter of 2026, while manufacturing expanded by 3.29 per cent. Inflation had eased to 15.91 per cent, and Nigeria's foreign reserves closed 2025 at $45.4 billion. The International Monetary Fund, he added, had projected Nigeria's economy to grow by 4.1 per cent in 2026. The World Bank had also acknowledged progress in restoring macroeconomic stability, improving Nigeria's external and fiscal position and sustaining economic growth.
Addressing the diaspora directly, Tinubu said: "Beyond the significant financial contributions, our diaspora community brings skills, knowledge, and global exposure that are vital to Nigeria's growth." He urged Nigerians abroad to deploy their intellectual capacity and professional expertise alongside capital. "A cheque can buy equipment; expertise can build the system that makes the equipment useful," he said, calling on diaspora professionals to mentor Nigerian entrepreneurs, establish research partnerships, support hospitals, open foreign markets to Nigerian products and transfer international standards and systems. He also appealed for constructive engagement, saying criticism remained important to democracy but should be factual and aimed at correction. "Criticism that illuminates is patriotic. Falsehood that inflames is not," he said.
The Director-General of NiDCOM, Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the conference was focused on expanding partnerships and unlocking funding for sectors with significant growth potential, including fintech, agriculture and energy. A major highlight of the summit was the presentation of the Diaspora Community Impact and Infrastructural Development Award to HELLO Energy, a Nigeria-based company. Receiving the award, the Chief Executive Officer, Barrister Okhide Ezigbo, said the recognition would spur the company to deepen its investments in Nigeria, where the potential remains enormous.
As Nigeria approaches another electoral season, Tinubu urged Nigerians to place national interest above partisan considerations, warning against supporting activities capable of destabilising the country. "You may oppose a government; you must never wish the country to fail merely to prove your point," he cautioned. The President's address in Toronto marks a significant moment in his administration's efforts to deepen diaspora engagement and position Nigeria as a prime destination for investment. For the millions of Nigerians abroad, the message is unambiguous: the country is open for business, and the time to invest is now.
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