By Ada Nkong
The Federal Government has urged Nigerians in the diaspora to deploy more of their expertise in various sectors nationwide to enhance national development.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed at the opening ceremony of the 8th Diaspora Investment Summit said the federal government will continue to leverage on diaspora capital to drive industrialization and support President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Commending the Nigerian diaspora for their resilience and global excellence, he gave assurance that the government is putting measures in place to remove barriers that will discourage investment.
“The task ahead is immense, but our resolve is strong,” he said. “Together, with unity of purpose, we can build a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Nigeria.”
The theme for this year’s summit is “Fast-Tracking Regional and National Development by Mobilising Diaspora Investment”.
The Summit drew over 1,000 physical participants from Nigeria and the Diaspora as well as several others who joined virtually.
NDIS is organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in collaboration with the Nigerian Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI), and aims to connect the strength of Nigerians abroad with opportunities back home.
Dr Adejugbe Badewa- Williams, the summit coordinator says NDISÂ has created a space for Nigerians abroad to shape the narrative in our favor.
She commended the Chairman NiDCOM , for providing support to keep the platform alive and thanked partners and sponsors for the role they play in making the summit a success.
Badewa- Williams says 2 million dollars ininvestment was secured on the first day of the summit.
She described the NDIS as a movement built on a shared vision of nation building and called for collective action to develop Nigeria.
The Coordinator further urged the diaspora community to use the platform to channel expertise to contribute to Nigeria’s development while also encouraging participants to engage fully.
“Every edition of NDIS tells a story of progress, resilience, and possibility,” .
“It reminds us that when Nigerians at home and abroad work together, the outcome is always extraordinary” she added.
“The success of it reflects what can happen when passion meets purpose,”
“The diaspora continues to prove that distance does not diminish patriotism, it strengthens it,” Adejugbe Williams added.
In her remarks, the Chairman Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon.Abike Dabiri Erewa said diaspora remittances have hit 25 million dollars making Nigeria the highest receiver in Africa.
She described the summit as a powerful network of innovationand opportunity where diaspora involvement can bridge gaps and accelerate national agenda.
Hon Abike emphasized that challenges must not deter us but drive a resolve to improve.
She underscored the need to Strengthen institutional framework, as well as deepen partnerships with diaspora adding that NiDCOM remains committed to facilitating dialogue
She called on government at all levels to create an enabling environment through policy consistency, tax incentives and other measures .
She reiterated the need to resolve to move ahead with unity of purpose.
Minister for solid minerals development, Dr Dele Alake while calling for investment said through policy reforms, the ministry has prosecuted 150 illegal miners and apprehended 350 illegal miners which has helped to ensure that the official fees are paid increasing revenue in the sector.
He said he has revoked over 3000 licenses of defaulters and the reforms have helped to improve the economy through reviewed community agreements.
The Keynote Speaker Prof Barth Nnaji,harped on the capacity of Nigerians in diaspora to lead the country to any level.
He encouraged diasporas to focus on what to do for the country to progress .
The speaker noted that diaspora remittances sustain families but pointed to the need to move from remittances for sustainance to life changing projects.
According to him diasporas should “Invest in respective regions, be part of the solution,think home, invest in different ways and think not of profit but of impact
Highlights of the summit include high-level panel discussions, startup pitches, and exhibitions across priority sectors.
The energy was palpable as participants explored how diaspora collaboration can translate into tangible investments for job creation and inclusive growth.
Technology and Education took centre stage as innovators showcased transformative ideas.
Moderated by Ms. Evelyn Dan Epelle, MD/CEO of IGET, diaspora innovators presented cutting-edge solutions in FinTech, ICT, logistics, and e-learning.
Epelle noted that FinTech continues to redefine inclusion in Nigeria’s digital economy, adding, “Technology is no longer a luxury. It is the foundation for Nigeria’s next growth phase, and the diaspora is a powerful engine behind that transformation.”
The Education and Human Capital session, moderated by Prof. Onyishi Ernest Ike, spotlighted innovative proposals aimed at improving learning access, quality, and employability.
Ike stressed that sustained investment in education remains critical to Nigeria’s long-term growth. “Our young people are our greatest asset,”
“Investing in their minds is investing in Nigeria’s future,”he said.
Diaspora investors engaged directly with startup founders, exploring how scalable, impact-driven solutions can support national priorities in education and technology.
The 3- day event ended with a gala nite that provided an opportunity for networking and fostered a shared commitment among participants to deepen partnerships that make the Nigerian Diaspora a true force for innovation, investment, and nation-building.
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