Tinubu Urges Nigerians in Diaspora to Invest More in Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians living abroad to move beyond sending remittances home and play a greater role in Nigeria’s economic development through direct investment, expertise, technology and global business networks.

Tinubu made the appeal while declaring open the three-day Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NIDEC) 2026 at the Apollo Convention Centre in Toronto, Canada. The President was represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

The conference, organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), is focused on strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and its diaspora community and creating opportunities for investment and partnerships.

Tinubu described Nigerians in the diaspora as important ambassadors of the country, praising their achievements and contributions across different sectors of the global economy.

He urged them to consider Nigeria a prime investment destination, saying ongoing government reforms were aimed at improving the business environment, strengthening the economy and unlocking opportunities for sustainable investment.

“Nigeria sees you. Nigeria values you. Nigeria needs you,” the President told participants at the conference.

He also encouraged Nigerians abroad to bring more than financial capital back home, urging them to contribute their knowledge, technology, professional experience and international connections to accelerate development.

According to Tinubu, remittances have played an important role in supporting millions of Nigerian families, but they should become “the floor” rather than the “ceiling” of diaspora engagement.

He called for the formation of professionally managed investment clubs, sector funds, co-investment vehicles and venture networks through which diaspora Nigerians can pool resources and invest in viable Nigerian businesses and projects.

The President also highlighted the need for proper corporate governance, audited accounts, due diligence and the involvement of credible professional advisers to protect investors.

Tinubu said the government had a responsibility to provide diaspora investors with predictable regulations, transparent investment opportunities, efficient consular services and stronger protection against fraud.

He pointed to initiatives including 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 cited recent economic indicators as evidence that Nigeria was on a path of recovery following three years of reforms.

He referenced first-quarter 2026 real GDP growth of 3.89 per cent, 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 further said the International Monetary Fund had projected Nigeria’s economy to grow by 4.1 per cent in 2026, while the World Bank had acknowledged progress in restoring macroeconomic stability and strengthening the country’s fiscal and external position.

He also highlighted infrastructure investments in roads, rail, ports, electricity, digital connectivity, healthcare, housing and agricultural value chains as areas where diaspora capital could help accelerate development.

Tinubu appealed for unity as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, stressing that political competition should not be allowed to undermine the country’s stability.

NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the conference provides an opportunity to deepen engagement with Nigerians abroad and harness their expertise, capital and networks for national development.

The NIDEC 2026 programme is designed around investment, policy, capital markets, technology and sector opportunities, with discussions covering areas including agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, renewable energy, fintech and digital innovation.

The conference runs in the Toronto/Mississauga area from August 13 to 15, 2026, under the theme “Invest Nigeria, Thrive Abroad.”