Tinubu Urges Nigerians Abroad to Turn Remittances Into Investment

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians living abroad to look beyond sending money home and actively participate as investors in their country. By leveraging their capital, expertise, technology, and international networks, they can contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth.

President Tinubu made this appeal during the inauguration of the three-day Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NIDEC) 2026 at the Apollo Convention Centre in Toronto, Canada. His Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, represented him at the event.

Organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the conference was held under the theme, “Thrive Abroad, Invest in Nigeria.”

The President described Nigerians in the diaspora as vital ambassadors for the country, commending their remarkable achievements in various sectors, including business, technology, professional services, and more.

“Nigeria sees you. Nigeria values you. Nigeria needs you,” Tinubu told hundreds of Nigerians and other stakeholders attending the conference.

He said that the government acknowledges the economic and professional contributions of Nigerians living abroad and is actively working to establish conditions that would enable them to engage more directly in national development.

Tinubu urged diaspora Nigerians to view Nigeria as a viable destination for investment, asserting that the reforms implemented by his administration are gradually enhancing the country’s economic prospects and business environment.

He cited a real GDP growth rate of 3.89 percent in the first quarter of 2026, manufacturing growth of 3.29 percent, and a reduction in inflation to 15.91 percent. He also mentioned that Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion at the end of 2025.

The President stated that the International Monetary Fund had projected 4.1 percent economic growth for Nigeria in 2026, while the World Bank had acknowledged progress towards restoring macroeconomic stability and strengthening the country’s external and fiscal position.

““Nigeria sees you. Nigeria values you. Nigeria needs you.””

He also highlighted reforms in taxation, infrastructure, and industrial financing, including the Bank of Industry’s reported ₦636 billion in financing to businesses in 2025.

However, for the President, attracting diaspora investment requires more than government reforms. He urged Nigerians abroad to move away from isolated, personality-driven investments and instead establish professionally managed investment clubs, sector funds, co-investment vehicles, and venture networks.

Such structures should operate with proper governance, audited accounts, and professional due diligence, he emphasised.

Tinubu also stated that the government has a responsibility to provide predictable regulations, transparent investment opportunities, efficient consular services, and stronger protection against fraud. He highlighted financial instruments such as the Non-Resident Nigerian Ordinary Account, Non-Resident Nigerian Investment Account, and Non-Resident Bank Verification Number as measures intended to facilitate Nigerians abroad’s participation in the domestic financial system.

The President stressed that remittances remain crucial to millions of Nigerian families, helping them pay for education, healthcare, and small businesses. However, he urged that remittances should become the foundation of diaspora engagement rather than its limit.

He also appealed for unity ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that political competition should not undermine national stability.

NiDCOM Chairman and CEO Abike Dabiri-Erewa emphasised that the conference offered an opportunity to strengthen engagement with Nigerians residing abroad and leverage their skills and resources for the nation’s development.

She encouraged Nigerians in the diaspora to view Nigeria not only as their homeland but also as an attractive investment destination.

The conference was attended by several state governors, members of the Federal Executive Council, and senior government officials.

From the night