Tinubu Urges Diaspora To Invest In Nigeria, Says Reforms Are Creating New Opportunities

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians in the Diaspora to make Nigeria a prime destination for their investments, expertise and entrepreneurial initiatives, assuring them that ongoing reforms are strengthening the economy and opening up new opportunities.

The President made the call on Thursday while declaring open the three-day Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NIDEC) 2026 at the Apollo Convention Centre, Toronto, Canada. He was represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

President Tinubu commended Nigerians abroad for their courage, enterprise, resilience and contributions to the global economy and to Nigeria’s image, describing them as important ambassadors of the country.

“Nigeria sees you. Nigeria values you. Nigeria needs you,” he told hundreds of Nigerians and stakeholders gathered in Toronto.

He said their accomplishments across different fields demonstrate the talent, ingenuity and determination of the Nigerian people.

The President, in a statement issued by his Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, affirmed that the Federal Government recognizes the immense economic, intellectual and professional value of Nigerians in the Diaspora.

Speaking on the theme “Thrive Abroad, Invest in Nigeria,” he encouraged the diaspora to bring home not only capital, but also knowledge, technology, networks and international experience to accelerate national development.

President Tinubu said Nigeria’s economic indicators show a country in genuine recovery.

He cited real GDP growth of 3.89 percent in Q1 2026, manufacturing expansion of 3.29 percent, inflation easing to 15.91 percent, and foreign reserves closing 2025 at $45.4 billion.

He added that the IMF projects 4.1 percent growth for Nigeria in 2026, while the World Bank acknowledged meaningful progress in restoring macroeconomic stability and strengthening the country’s fiscal and external position.

The President credited the past three years of reforms with improving the country’s macroeconomics.

On the domestic front, he pointed to a new tax architecture designed to simplify compliance and reduce the burden on low-income earners and small businesses.

He noted that the Bank of Industry recorded its highest annual financing volume in 2025, disbursing ₦636 billion to businesses nationwide.

President Tinubu said government continues to invest in roads, rail, ports, power, digital connectivity, healthcare, housing and agricultural value chains as catalysts for sustainable development.

The President said while remittances remain invaluable for households, they must now become “the floor of diaspora engagement rather than its ceiling.”

He urged Nigerians abroad to move beyond scattered, personality-driven transactions into professionally governed investment clubs, sector funds, co-investment vehicles and venture networks with proper governance and due diligence.

“Economic power earns the diaspora a seat and a voice at the conversation table,” he said, pointing to diaspora voting as one issue that could be influenced once that economic power is established.

President Tinubu added that government owes the diaspora predictable rules, transparent project pipelines, efficient consular services and stronger protection from fraud.

He listed the Non-Resident Nigerian Ordinary Account, Non-Resident Nigerian Investment Account, and Non-Resident Bank Verification Number as practical steps to ease diaspora participation in the Nigerian financial system.

He also commended the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and her team for convening the first-ever NIDEC conference.