President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians living abroad to move beyond remittances and build lasting economic stakes in the country by organising professionally managed investment vehicles.
The president delivered the charge while declaring open the three-day Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NIDEC) 2026 at the Apollo Convention Centre in Toronto, Canada. He was represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Tinubu described members of the diaspora as living proof that the Nigerian spirit can compete globally. “Nigeria sees you. Nigeria values you. Nigeria needs you,” he said, according to a statement from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
He pointed to recent macroeconomic indicators as evidence of recovery: real GDP 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 of $45.4 billion at the end of 2025. The International Monetary Fund projects 4.1 per cent growth for Nigeria in 2026, while the World Bank has acknowledged progress in restoring stability and sustaining growth.
Tinubu highlighted domestic reforms, including a simplified tax system aimed at reducing the burden on low-income earners and small businesses, and record financing by the Bank of Industry, which disbursed ₦636 billion to businesses in 2025. He noted ongoing federal investment in roads, rail, ports, power, digital infrastructure, healthcare, housing and agricultural value chains.
While recognising the vital role of remittances in supporting households, the president said these transfers should now serve as the foundation rather than the limit of diaspora engagement. He urged Nigerians abroad to direct capital into agro-processing, healthcare, technology, energy, housing, logistics, mining, education, creative industries and export manufacturing.
Tinubu encouraged the diaspora to form professionally governed investment clubs, sector funds, co-investment vehicles and venture networks. These, he said, should pool capital, demand audited accounts, insist on proper governance and conduct due diligence with credible advisers. He added that government has introduced practical tools such as the Non-Resident Nigerian Ordinary Account, Non-Resident Nigerian Investment Account and Non-Resident Bank Verification Number to ease participation.
He acknowledged the barriers many Nigerians face abroad but stressed that no such ceiling exists for those who invest at home. Tinubu also appealed for national unity ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that partisan interests must not undermine stability.
NiDCOM Chairman/CEO Abike Dabiri-Erewa described the conference as an opportunity to harness diaspora expertise for national development. Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo praised the economic reforms as a pathway to attract global capital, while Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal said his administration aims to position the state for new investment. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Olajumoke Oduwole stressed that the focus must now shift from discussion to actual investment.
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