The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has said that over 17 million Nigerians living and working abroad collectively represent an estimated economic power of more than $1 trillion, a force that can significantly transform Nigeria’s development trajectory if properly harnessed.
Speaking at the opening of the 8th Nigerian Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) in Abuja, themed “Diaspora Capital for National Development: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Way Forward,” Dabiri-Erewa described the Nigerian diaspora community as one of the country’s most valuable development partners.
“The Nigerian diaspora represents a source of immense strength for our country. Across the world, Nigerians are excelling in medicine, technology, education, business, and the arts, earning respect and recognition for their talent, resilience, and excellence,” she said.
Citing figures from the past year, the NiDCOM boss revealed that Nigerians abroad remitted over $25 billion in 2024, making Nigeria the largest recipient of remittances in Africa.
But she stressed that it was time to move beyond remittances and channel diaspora capital, expertise, and goodwill into sustainable, structured investments capable of creating jobs and driving inclusive growth.
“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,” Dabiri-Erewa urged.
Reaffirming NiDCOM’s commitment, Dabiri-Erewa pledged continued facilitation of dialogue and partnerships to connect diaspora investors with credible local opportunities.
She appealed to Nigerians abroad to see themselves as co-authors of the country’s development story.
“Nigeria needs you. Your ideas, your networks, your resources, and your experience are vital to the Nigeria we seek to build, a Nigeria that works, competes, and prospers in the global arena,” she declared.
Earlier, the Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, Dr Badewa Adejugbe-Williams, described the Summit as a transformative platform linking diaspora investors with opportunities in Nigeria.
“Eight years ago, this Summit began as a modest idea, to connect the strengths of Nigerians abroad with the abundant opportunities at home. Today, it has blossomed into a tangible, impactful platform where ideas become reality, diaspora investors discover credible ventures, and the government meaningfully engages with both the diaspora and MSMEs,” she said.
She urged local entrepreneurs to demonstrate innovation and integrity in engaging potential investors, assuring that Nigeria remains open for business and ready for partnerships that promote sustainable development.
The three-day summit, holding from November 11–13, 2025, in Abuja, brings together policymakers, investors, innovators, and development partners from across the globe to explore pathways for mobilising diaspora capital toward national development.
