President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians living abroad to move beyond sending money home for immediate needs and channel a greater share of their remittances into productive investments that can create jobs, expand businesses and strengthen Nigeria’s economy.
Tinubu made the call while speaking at the inaugural Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NIDEC) 2026 in Toronto, Canada. He was represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The President said Nigerians in the Diaspora possess significant capital, expertise and international connections that could contribute more substantially to the country’s economic transformation.
The three-day conference, organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) under the theme, “Thrive Abroad, Invest in Nigeria,” brought together government officials, investors, business leaders and Nigerians living abroad to discuss opportunities for Diaspora investment.
Addressing participants at the Apollo Convention Centre, Tinubu acknowledged the importance of remittances to millions of Nigerian families, noting that the funds help cover school fees, medical bills and other household and business expenses.
He, however, urged Nigerians abroad to make productive investment the next phase of their economic engagement with the country, stressing that remittances should serve as a foundation for investment rather than its endpoint.
Tinubu encouraged Diaspora Nigerians to explore sectors with strong potential for job creation and economic growth, including agriculture and agro-processing, healthcare, technology, energy, housing, logistics, mining, education, creative industries and export manufacturing.
He also advocated collective investment models, urging Nigerians abroad to establish professionally managed investment clubs, sector-specific funds, co-investment platforms and venture networks that would allow them to pool resources while maintaining strong corporate governance and proper due diligence.
The President said the Federal Government was working to create a more predictable and transparent investment environment, adding that stronger regulatory safeguards, efficient consular services and measures to prevent fraud would be essential to attracting Diaspora capital on a larger scale.
He highlighted initiatives such as the Non-Resident Nigerian Ordinary Account, Non-Resident Nigerian Investment Account and Non-Resident Bank Verification Number as measures aimed at making it easier for Nigerians abroad to participate in the country’s financial system.
Tinubu also pointed to recent economic indicators, saying Nigeria’s economy grew by 3.89 per cent in real terms in the first quarter of 2026, while manufacturing expanded by 3.29 per cent. He added that inflation had fallen to 15.91 per cent, while the country’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion at the end of 2025.
According to him, the International Monetary Fund has projected Nigeria’s economy to grow by 4.1 per cent in 2026, while the World Bank has acknowledged progress in restoring macroeconomic stability and improving the country’s external and fiscal position.
The President further cited reforms in taxation, infrastructure and business financing, noting that the Bank of Industry disbursed N636 billion to businesses in 2025. He said investments in roads, railways, ports, electricity, digital connectivity, healthcare, housing and agricultural value chains were also being pursued to improve the investment climate.
Tinubu linked the growing economic influence of Nigerians abroad to their potential political influence, including the long-standing debate over Diaspora voting. He, however, called on Nigerians to protect national unity and stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Earlier, NiDCOM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the conference was designed to move Diaspora engagement beyond discussions and unlock the community’s expertise, networks and financial resources for national development.
Similarly, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, urged participants to move from investment discussions to actual capital deployment, stressing that the opportunity to invest in Nigeria should not be delayed.
Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, commended the Federal Government’s economic reforms, saying they could help Nigeria attract global capital and strengthen its position in the international investment market. Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, also said the conference would help his administration attract investment and take advantage of emerging economic opportunities.
The conference featured high-level panel discussions, fireside chats and investment pitching sessions involving government officials, business leaders, investors and members of the Nigerian Diaspora. The Canadian delegation was led by Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Graham McGregor.
The conference ultimately underscored the growing importance of Diaspora Nigerians to Nigeria’s economic future, with the Federal Government calling for their financial contributions to be transformed into sustainable investments that can generate employment, boost businesses and accelerate national development.
