By Nkechi Eze
The 8th Nigerian Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) has continued in Abuja with renewed optimism, as investors, government officials, and entrepreneurs from within and outside the country charted bold pathways to accelerate national development through strategic diaspora-driven investments.
With the theme “Fast-Tracking Regional and National Development by Mobilising Diaspora Investment,” the summit attracted over 1,000 physical participants from Nigeria and the diaspora, alongside several others who joined virtually.
According to an official statement signed by the Head of Media and Public Relations Unit at the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the summit organised by NiDCOM in collaboration with the Nigerian Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI), reaffirmed the pivotal role of the Nigerian diaspora as a powerhouse for innovation, enterprise, and sustainable growth.
NDIS Coordinator, Dr. Badewa Adejugbe-Williams, described the summit as a bridge connecting ideas, people, and opportunities across continents.
“Every edition of NDIS tells a story of progress, resilience, and possibility,” she said. “It reminds us that when Nigerians at home and abroad work together, the outcome is always extraordinary.”
She commended the continued support of partners, investors, and sponsors, while expressing special appreciation to Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, for her visionary leadership in fostering platforms that link the diaspora directly to Nigeria’s development agenda.
“The success of this summit reflects what can happen when passion meets purpose,” Adejugbe-Williams noted, adding that “the diaspora continues to prove that distance does not diminish patriotism, it strengthens it.”
The event featured a rich mix of high-level panel discussions, startup pitches, and exhibitions across priority sectors. The atmosphere was charged with energy as participants explored how diaspora collaboration can translate into tangible investments, job creation, and inclusive economic growth.
Technology and education took centre stage during the sessions, where innovators and thought leaders showcased transformative ideas designed to reshape Nigeria’s development trajectory.
In the technology and innovation segment, moderated by Ms. Evelyn Dan Epelle, Managing Director and CEO of IGET, diaspora innovators presented cutting-edge solutions in FinTech, ICT, logistics, and e-learning. Epelle observed that FinTech continues to redefine inclusion in Nigeria’s digital economy, stressing that “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.”
Similarly, the Education and Human Capital Development session, moderated by Prof. Onyishi Ernest Ike, spotlighted innovative proposals aimed at improving learning access, quality, and employability. Prof. Ike emphasised that sustained investment in education remains central to Nigeria’s long-term progress.
“Our young people are our greatest asset,” he said. “Investing in their minds is investing in Nigeria’s future.”
Diaspora investors also engaged directly with startup founders to explore scalable, impact-driven solutions that align with national priorities in education, technology, and enterprise development.
As the three-day summit continues, participants remain united by a shared commitment to deepen partnerships that make the Nigerian diaspora a dynamic force for innovation, investment, and nation-building.
