Nigeria is ramping up efforts to transform over $20 billion in annual diaspora remittances into productive investments, because the Nigerians in Diaspora Fee (NiDCOM) introduced plans for a serious world funding convention geared toward mobilising Nigerians overseas.
Chairman and Chief Government Officer of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, disclosed that the Nigeria Diaspora {Economic} Convention (NIDEC) 2026 will maintain from August 13 to fifteen in Mississauga, Toronto, Canada.
Talking at a press briefing in Abuja, Dabiri-Erewa mentioned the initiative is designed to shift diaspora contributions from consumption-driven remittances to long-term investments that may drive {economic} development.
She defined that the summit, themed âMake investments Nigeria, Thrive Overseas,â will join diaspora professionals and buyers with credible alternatives throughout key sectors of the Nigerian financial system.
In accordance with her, the occasion will perform as a results-oriented funding market, enabling contributors to barter offers, maintain business-to-business conferences, and signal memoranda of understanding.
Key sectors anticipated to function on the convention embrace fintech and digital innovation, agriculture and agro-processing, mining and renewable power, healthcare and prescribed drugs, actual property, infrastructure, and {financial} companies.
Dabiri-Erewa mentioned Canada was chosen as host nation resulting from its rising Nigerian neighborhood, notably in healthcare, know-how, and finance, including that the occasion is being organised in collaboration with Nigerian and Canadian diplomatic missions.
Past funding discussions, the convention may also function cultural showcases, together with the Flavours of Nigeria Competition and The Headies, which is scheduled to carry in Canada for the primary time.
She urged state governments, {financial} establishments, entrepreneurs, and diaspora professionals to leverage the platform to draw world capital and foster partnerships.
Dabiri-Erewa added that preparations are underway to facilitate visa entry for contributors, with a devoted registration portal to be launched quickly.
She emphasised that the convention is anticipated to draw buyers, policymakers, and enterprise leaders from throughout a number of continents, positioning Nigeriaâs diaspora as a important driver of nationwide growth.
By Michael Olugbode
Times Nigeria