President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians living abroad to move beyond sending remittances and invest in productive ventures that can drive economic growth and create jobs in Nigeria.
Tinubu made the call at the 2026 Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NiDEC) in Toronto, Canada, where he was represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The conference, themed “Invest Nigeria, Thrive Abroad,” is being held from August 12 to 15 across Toronto and Mississauga, with discussions focused on diaspora investment, capital markets, technology, infrastructure, and other key sectors.
The President acknowledged the importance of remittances to Nigerian families but said the country now needed diaspora capital, expertise, and global networks to support long-term economic development.
“Remittances sustain consumption. Investment expands production. Expertise builds institutions. Networks open markets. Nigeria now needs all four,” he said.
Tinubu urged Nigerians abroad to invest in productive sectors rather than concentrating mainly on property, identifying agriculture and agro-processing, healthcare, technology, energy, mining, education, logistics, housing, creative industries, and export manufacturing as key opportunities.
He also encouraged diaspora investors to use Nigeria as a gateway to the wider African market through the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The President called for more organized diaspora investment through professionally managed investment clubs, sector funds, co-investment vehicles, and venture networks. He also advised investors to demand proper corporate governance, audited accounts, and due diligence before committing funds.
Beyond capital, Tinubu urged Nigerians abroad to contribute their skills and international connections by mentoring entrepreneurs, supporting research, strengthening healthcare institutions, and linking Nigerian businesses to global markets.
He said the Federal Government would work to improve the investment environment through predictable regulations, stronger property rights, faster dispute resolution, and better protection against fraud.
Tinubu also highlighted the Non-Resident Nigerian Ordinary Account and Non-Resident Nigerian Investment Account introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria to facilitate diaspora participation in Nigeria’s financial system. The accounts allow non-resident Nigerians to manage funds and invest in Nigerian assets.
The President urged participants to measure the success of the conference by the businesses funded, partnerships created, entrepreneurs mentored, and investment commitments that emerged from it.
The conference was organized to connect Nigerians in the diaspora with investment-ready opportunities in sectors including fintech, agriculture, mining, renewable energy, healthcare, infrastructure, and capital markets.
