The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has unveiled two major initiatives the Connected Diaspora x DOWA Start-Up Challenge and the Connected Diaspora Flagship Event 2025.
They are both designed to mobilise global Nigerian talent and strengthen diaspora-led contributions to national development.
NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, announced the programmes at a news conference in Lagos, describing them as ‘timely and transformative platforms for empowering Nigerians worldwide.’
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Dabiri-Erewa explained that “the Start-Up Challenge, themed “Building, Breaking and Believing in Nigeria,” aims to foster innovation, enhance knowledge exchange, and support enterprise creation among Nigerians in the diaspora.”
With cash prizes of up to ₦1,000,000, the challenge seeks to highlight exceptional solutions and support promising ventures aligned with Nigeria’s rapidly evolving economic landscape.
She noted that the initiative reinforces the Nigerian Government’s commitment to positioning the diaspora as a vital force in national development.
The Connected Diaspora Flagship Event is scheduled for December 19, 2025, in Lagos, and will convene policymakers, investors, thought leaders, tech innovators and strategic partners for discussions on Nigeria’sgrowth trajectory.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, will serve as the Special Guest of Honour, offering insights into the role of effective collaboration between government and diaspora communities.
NiDCOM said that the December event will also feature a Diaspora Talent Career and Internship Fair, which will connect diaspora returnees with internship opportunities provided by DOWA partner organisations further promoting skills exchange and bolstering national capacity.
The Commission expressed deep appreciation to its partners for their ongoing support and urged public and private-sector stakeholders to take advantage of the numerous opportunities for innovation and collaboration.
Young Nigerians and diaspora returnees were encouraged to participate actively, with entries for the Startup Challenge closing on December 12, 2025.
Key programme timelines include; application submissions (Nov.18–Dec. 12), public voting on Instagram (Dec. 13–17), announcement of winners(Dec. 18), and final presentations at the JK Randle Centre on December 19.