Nigeria has honoured expatriates, businesses, investors and members of the international community for their contributions to job creation, knowledge transfer, investment and economic development.
The recognition was made at the 2026 edition of The Expatriates Business Awards (TEBA), held at the Rotunda Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
The ceremony brought together government officials, diplomats, members of the diplomatic corps, captains of industry and members of the expatriate community.
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The event was described by the organisers as an evening of recognition and appreciation for individuals and organisations contributing to Nigeria’s development.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, served as the Chief Host, while the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, was the host of the ceremony.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, was the Special Guest of Honour.
In her opening remarks, TEBA Director of Awards, Odunola Abayomi, said the initiative was established to celebrate men and women who had crossed borders, embraced Nigeria, established businesses, created jobs, transferred knowledge and promoted cultural exchange.
She said the awards were more than trophies, describing them as a public recognition of individuals, organisations and communities whose contributions had strengthened the Nigerian economy.
Abayomi said TEBA was also designed to encourage expatriate investors, entrepreneurs and professionals to deepen their engagement in Nigeria, expand their investments and contribute further to the country’s development.
She acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, saying the partnership demonstrated that TEBA was aligned with Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic engagement with the international community.
The Director of Awards also recognised the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed and Dr Mahmud Adam Kambari, respectively, whom she described as key figures behind the success of the 2026 edition.
The event featured the presentation of awards to individuals and organisations, as well as cultural performances and networking among stakeholders from the diplomatic and business communities.
The organisers also acknowledged partners and sponsors whose support contributed to the success of the event, including Nigerbird Engineering, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) and others.
With its focus on expatriate contributions, international partnerships and economic diplomacy, TEBA 2026 provided a platform for Nigeria to recognise the role of the global business community in advancing national development.
Other dignitaries at the event included directors and chief executives of government agencies, as well as members of the diplomatic corps.
The evening featured music, comedy and award presentations in what the organisers described as “a vibrant fusion of culture and commerce, where the handshake of diplomacy meets the heartbeat of Nigerian creativity.”
