The Nigerian government has called on its citizens living abroad to move beyond sending personal remittances and instead direct their capital and expertise toward structured economic investments in the country.
The appeal was made at the inaugural Nigeria-Canada Diaspora Economic Conference in Toronto, organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).
Speaking at the event, NIDCOM Chief Executive Abike Dabiri-Erewa urged diaspora members to back specific domestic initiatives, ranging from small-business partnerships to institutional development in education and healthcare.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole outlined recent macroeconomic indicators to highlight the country’s business landscape. She noted that real GDP expanded by 3.89 percent in the first quarter of 2026, alongside an 83 percent year-on-year increase in capital importation, reaching $10.37bn (£8bn).
Mrs. Oduwole stated that ongoing economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu aim to shift Nigeria toward domestic manufacturing, value-added exports, and key sectors such as energy, logistics, and technology.
National Assembly representatives cited World Bank data showing annual diaspora remittances to Nigeria reached $21.9bn, with the estimated 412,000 Nigerians residing in Canada contributing roughly nine percent of the total. Lawmakers assured attendees that legislative frameworks are being developed to streamline investment processes and support diaspora-led enterprise.
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