The President made this call while opening the inaugural Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NIDEC) held at the Apollo Convention Centre in Toronto, Canada. Represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, President Tinubu commended the Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and her team for successfully launching the historic summit under the theme “Thrive Abroad, Invest in Nigeria.”
Nigerians in Diaspora Commission+ 1
Key Highlights from the President’s Address
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Economic Leverage & Influence: President Tinubu noted that building collective economic power gives the diaspora a stronger voice at policy tables, which can eventually influence matters such as diaspora voting rights.
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Signs of Economic Recovery: Highlighting macro-economic improvements over the past three years, the President pointed to several positive indicators:
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A real GDP growth rate of 3.89% in the first quarter of 2026.
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Manufacturing sector expansion standing at 3.29%.
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Inflation easing down to 15.91%.
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Foreign reserves closing out the previous year at $45.4 billion.
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Global Endorsements & Domestic Reforms: He noted that international institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF)—which projects a 4.1% growth rate for Nigeria in 2026—and the World Bank have acknowledged the country’s steady macroeconomic stabilization. On the domestic front, he highlighted a simplified new tax architecture and cited the Bank of Industry’s record disbursement of 636 billion Naira in 2025 to support local businesses.
Strategic Areas for Diaspora Participation
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Moving Past the Ceiling: While acknowledging that remittances remain invaluable for covering household expenses, school fees, and medical bills, the President stressed that remittances should act as a baseline (“the floor”) rather than the ultimate limit of diaspora contribution.
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Target Sectors: He encouraged investors to channel funds into high-impact fields, including:
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Agro-processing and agricultural value chains
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Technology and export manufacturing
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Healthcare, education, and housing
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Energy, mining, and creative industries
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Organized Investing: Urging investors to avoid isolated, personality-driven transactions, Tinubu advised the diaspora to pool resources into professionally managed investment clubs, venture networks, and sector-specific funds that practice strict due diligence and demand audited accounts.
Government Support and Commitments
The President assured participants that the administration is committed to providing a transparent, predictable business environment with robust safeguards against fraud. He pointed to practical financial tools—such as the Non-Resident Nigerian Ordinary Account, the Investment Account, and the Non-Resident Bank Verification Number (BVN)—designed to make participating in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem much easier.
Concluding his address, President Tinubu acknowledged the unique challenges and invisible ceilings many talented Nigerians face abroad, noting that no such limits exist for those building legacies at home. He also appealed for national unity ahead of the upcoming 2027 general election cycle, emphasizing that national stability must always supersede partisan interests.
