NiDCOM Sets Diaspora Summit for Global Investors

The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, unveiled plans for the Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NIDEC) 2026, a major global investment summit aimed at strengthening diaspora participation in Nigeria’s economic development.

She announced the initiative at a press conference held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, describing the conference as a landmark effort to deepen diaspora engagement beyond remittances and channel it into sustainable investments.

Dr Dabiri-Erewa noted that Nigerians in the diaspora contribute over $20 billion annually to the country’s economy through remittances, stressing the need to transition from “remittances for consumption” to “remittances for investment.”

The conference is scheduled to take place from August 13 to 15, 2026, in Mississauga, Toronto, Canada, at the Apollo Convention Center, under the theme; “Invest Nigeria, Thrive Abroad.”

She explained that Canada was selected as host due to its large population of highly skilled and accomplished Nigerians, many of whom are making significant contributions in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and business.

According to her, the conference would serve as a strategic platform to connect these professionals with investment-ready opportunities in Nigeria.

Dr Dabiri-Erewa said NIDEC 2026 would focus on key sectors critical to Nigeria’s economic growth, including fintech and digital innovation, agriculture and agro-processing, mining and renewable energy, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, real estate, and financial services.

Describing the event as more than a conventional conference, she said it would function as a results-driven marketplace, facilitating business-to-business engagements, partnerships, and the signing of Memoranda of Understanding aimed at job creation, technology transfer, and national development.

She further disclosed that the Commission was collaborating with the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa and the Canadian High Commission in Abuja to ensure seamless participation for delegates.

In addition to the economic summit, the event will coincide with a week-long celebration of Nigerian culture and excellence, including the Flavours of Nigeria Festival and the Headies Awards, which is set to be hosted in Canada for the first time.

Dr Dabiri-Erewa called on Nigerian entrepreneurs, diaspora professionals, state governments, and financial institutions to take advantage of the platform to secure investments, shape policies, and contribute to the Federal Government’s development agenda.

She also revealed that arrangements were underway with Canadian authorities to introduce a special event code to ease visa processing for legitimate participants, while a dedicated registration portal for the conference would be launched soon.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness for global partnerships, she stated that the diaspora remains a critical driver of national development, adding that NIDEC 2026 would mark a significant step toward unlocking that potential.