Leaders at the 8th Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) have called on Nigerians abroad to deepen their investment and partnership in national development, describing the diaspora as a key driver of Nigeria’s economic transformation.
Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima urged the Nigerians in diaspora to “come home not only physically but economically,” by investing in startups, infrastructure, and human capital development.
He said, “The Summit aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on job creation, investment attraction, and inclusive growth.”
VP Shettima noted that reforms such as the Home and Abroad Housing Platform and the proposed Diaspora Bond are designed to make investment in Nigeria more secure and rewarding, stressing that diaspora remittances reached about $21 billion in 2024.
“This Administration is fully committed to creating an environment where this collaboration can thrive. Our Renewed Hope Agenda identifies the Diaspora as a central pillar of our Foreign Policy thrust, alongside Democracy, Development, and Demography.
“In line with this, we have launched targeted interventions, such as the Home and Abroad Housing Platform by NiDCOM. A trusted gateway for Nigerians abroad to invest in real estate, and make the dream of owning a home in Nigeria a secure reality,” he said.
The Vice President further noted that “Nigeria’s greatest strength is the ingenuity and resilience of her people. Through a groundbreaking partnership between NiDCOM and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), we are connecting our Diaspora scientists, engineers, and innovators with opportunities at home.”
Also, the NiDCOM Chairman, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, reaffirmed the diaspora’s pivotal role, describing Nigerians abroad as “the nation’s most valuable ambassadors.”
She said their contributions extend beyond the $25 billion in annual remittances, emphasising the need for sustainable investments that create jobs and expand economic opportunities.
“However, as we gather here today, our goal is to look beyond remittances. We must channel this capital, expertise, and goodwill into sustainable, structured investments that can transform lives, create jobs, and drive inclusive economic growth,” she said.
Dr. Dabiri-Erewa called for stronger policies and partnerships to enable diaspora investors to participate fully in key sectors such as infrastructure, technology, healthcare, and education.
Chairperson of the NDIS Local Organising Committee, Dr. Badewa Adejugbe-Williams, highlighted the evolution of the Summit from a modest initiative eight years ago to a dynamic platform linking diaspora investors with local entrepreneurs and government agencies.
Dr Adejugbe-Williams described NDIS as “more than an event, it is a movement” driving innovation, collaboration, and shared prosperity.
“Together, we can fast-track regional and national development and build a resilient economy that mirrors the ingenuity and spirit of Nigerians across the world,” she said.
Fast-track national development
Several other key speakers at the event stressed the unity of purpose among government, the private sector, and Nigerians abroad to fast-track national development.
They urged participants to seize the opportunities offered by the Summit to turn ideas into impactful ventures that will strengthen Nigeria’s economy and global standing.
The keynote speaker and former Minister of Power, Professor Barth Nnaji, urged the diaspora to invest in Nigeria with the conviction of being part of the nation’s development.
Professor Nnaji said, “We can all make investments in various ways, from small to medium scale industries to large industries. You can also invest your knowledge by advising governments and the private sector. You can do your due diligence and identify reputable partners abroad and those at home with whom you form a joint venture. You need those at home, because those are the people who can help you to maneuver the difficult areas. Develop fixed care to survive the shocks that may come. Do not think only of the profits.
“Think of the joy of being part of the fundamental transformation of our dear nation into a country where foreigners would want to invest in.
He added that the aim is to make Nigeria a country where people would want to take their vacation, where reverse medical tourism will be possible, where children born to first generation immigrants would want to return to work and invest.
Lateefah Ibrahim