President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians living abroad to move beyond remittances and channel more of their wealth, expertise and global networks into productive investments in Nigeria. Speaking through Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila at the inaugural Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NIDEC) 2026 in Toronto, Canada, Tinubu said the Federal Government’s reforms were aimed at improving the business environment and creating opportunities for sustainable investment, as reported by ChannelsTv and Punch.
The President called on diaspora investors to consider sectors including agro processing, healthcare, technology, energy, housing, logistics, mining, education, creative industries and export manufacturing. He also encouraged them to establish professionally managed investment clubs, sector funds, co-investment vehicles and venture networks, with proper governance, audited accounts and professional due diligence. The government, he said, must provide predictable rules, transparent project pipelines and stronger protection against fraud to support greater diaspora participation.
The push is commercially significant because Nigeria’s diaspora represents a substantial pool of capital, skills and international business networks that could support domestic production and enterprise expansion. Tinubu said Nigeria’s real GDP grew 3.89% in the first quarter of 2026, while inflation had eased to 15.91%, presenting the reforms as evidence of improving macroeconomic conditions. The government is also promoting financial instruments including the Non Resident Nigerian Ordinary Account, Non Resident Nigerian Investment Account and Non Resident Bank Verification Number to make participation easier for Nigerians abroad.
For investors, the success of the initiative will depend on whether the government’s reform agenda translates into predictable policies, stronger institutions and commercially viable investment opportunities. If diaspora capital can be redirected from predominantly consumption and property related uses towards businesses and productive assets, it could strengthen domestic investment, create jobs and expand Nigeria’s capacity to attract capital into sectors with long term economic value.
