Invest in Nigeria – Tinubu to Diaspora Nigerians
President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians living abroad to move beyond sending remittances home and begin building productive investments in Nigeria.
Tinubu made the call on Friday while declaring open the three-day Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference 2026 in Toronto, Canada, with the theme, “Thrive Abroad, Invest in Nigeria.”
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, a press statement issued by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, said President Tinubu described Nigerians in the diaspora as evidence that the Nigerian spirit could compete successfully on the global stage.
He said the economic strength of the diaspora could give Nigerians abroad greater influence in national affairs, including issues such as diaspora voting.
“Nigeria sees you. Nigeria values you. Nigeria needs you,” Tinubu told hundreds of Nigerians and other stakeholders gathered at the Apollo Convention Centre, Toronto.
The President said remittances had remained invaluable in supporting millions of Nigerian households through school fees, medical expenses and small businesses, but stressed that they should now become “the floor of diaspora engagement rather than its ceiling.”
He urged Nigerians abroad to channel their capital into agro-processing, healthcare, technology, energy, housing, logistics, mining, education, creative industries and export manufacturing.
Tinubu also called on diaspora investors to move away from scattered and personality-driven transactions and embrace professionally governed investment clubs, sector funds, co-investment vehicles and venture networks.
He urged them to pool their resources, demand audited accounts, insist on sound governance and conduct due diligence with credible professional advisers.
The President said economic growth, political stability and security remained key considerations for investors, but maintained that Nigeria’s economic indicators pointed to a country undergoing genuine recovery.
He cited real Gross Domestic Product growth of 3.89 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, manufacturing expansion of 3.29 per cent, inflation easing to 15.91 per cent and foreign reserves closing 2025 at $45.4bn.
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, strengthening the country’s external and fiscal position and sustaining growth.
On domestic reforms, the President highlighted the new tax architecture designed to simplify compliance and reduce the burden on low-income earners and small businesses.
He also disclosed that the Bank of Industry recorded its highest annual financing volume in 2025, disbursing N636bn to businesses across the country.
Tinubu said the Federal Government was continuing to invest in roads, rail, ports, power, digital connectivity, healthcare, housing and agricultural value chains.
He said government had a responsibility to provide the diaspora with predictable rules, transparent project pipelines, efficient consular services and stronger protection against fraud.
According to him, instruments including the Non-Resident Nigerian Ordinary Account, Non-Resident Nigerian Investment Account and Non-Resident Bank Verification Number were practical measures to ease diaspora participation in Nigeria’s financial system.
Tinubu also appealed for unity ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying political competition was an essential feature of democracy but should not be allowed to undermine the country’s stability.
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the conference provided an opportunity to deepen engagement with Nigerians abroad by harnessing their expertise for national development and accelerated economic growth.
Dabiri-Erewa urged Nigerians in the diaspora to see Nigeria not only as home but also as an investment destination.
The Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, commended the economic reforms of the Tinubu administration, describing them as an avenue for Nigeria to attract investment and compete for global capital.
Similarly, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, said the conference provided an opportunity for his administration to position the state to take advantage of emerging investment opportunities and attract direct investment.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, also called for a shift from discussions to actual investments, stressing that “the best time for investment is now.”
The conference, organised by NiDCOM in collaboration with national and international stakeholders, brought together investors, business leaders, Nigerians in the diaspora and government officials to explore ways of strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and its diaspora.
Other officials who participated included the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zach Adedeji; Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Aisha Rimi; Director-General of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Nonye Ayeni; Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, Charles Odii; and Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu.
The Canadian delegation was led by the Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Graham McGregor.
The conference also featured panel discussions, pitching sessions and engagements with investors.
