By Nkechi Eze
Nigeria is set to deepen economic engagement with its global citizens as the Federal Government moves to transform diaspora remittances into strategic investments capable of driving national development.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, announced that the Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NIDEC) 2026 will hold in Toronto from August 13 to 15, 2026, as part of efforts to harness the enormous economic potential of Nigerians living abroad.
Nkechi Eze of Newspeg Magzine and Online reports that Dabiri-Erewa made the announcement during a press conference at NiDCOM’s Conference Hall at the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja on April 1, 2026, describing the conference as a landmark initiative designed to strengthen diaspora engagement and unlock investment opportunities for Nigeria.
Addressing journalists, the NiDCOM boss said the Nigerian diaspora remains a vital pillar of the country’s economic growth, contributing more than $20 billion annually in remittances. However, she emphasized that the Commission’s long-term strategy is to shift the focus from remittances used mainly for consumption to investments that can generate jobs, innovation, and sustainable development.
According to her, the upcoming conference will serve as a strategic platform to connect diaspora professionals and investors with investment-ready opportunities across key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
“We have always said that the Nigerian diaspora is more than just a community abroad; they are a financial and intellectual lifeline for the country,” she said. “Our mission is to move from remittances for consumption to remittances for investment.”
She explained that Canada was chosen as the host country because it is home to one of the most successful and highly skilled Nigerian diaspora communities globally.
From healthcare professionals and academics to technology innovators and entrepreneurs, Nigerians in Canada have continued to excel across various sectors, particularly in cities such as Calgary and Toronto.
Under the theme “Invest Nigeria, Thrive Abroad,” the conference aims to build a bridge between global Nigerian professionals and investment opportunities in their home country.
Dabiri-Erewa stressed that NIDEC 2026 is designed as a structured and outcome-driven investment marketplace rather than a conventional conference, with a strong emphasis on facilitating business partnerships and measurable economic impact.
She disclosed that discussions and investment engagements will focus on critical sectors considered key drivers of Nigeria’s future economic growth, including fintech and digital innovation, agriculture and agro-processing, mining and renewable energy, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, real estate and infrastructure, as well as banking, capital markets, and asset management.
“Our objective is to facilitate direct partnerships, business-to-business matchmaking and the signing of Memoranda of Understanding that will translate into jobs, technology transfer and sustainable development,” she said.
The NiDCOM chief also revealed that the conference will be organised in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawaand the Canadian High Commission in Abuja to ensure smooth coordination for participants from both countries.
Beyond economic engagements, the event will also celebrate Nigerian culture and global excellence through a week-long series of activities, including the Flavours of Nigeria Festival and a historic collaboration with the Headies Awards, which will be hosted in Canada for the first time.
Dabiri-Erewa therefore called on Nigerian entrepreneurs, diaspora professionals, state governments, financial institutions and investors to begin preparations to participate in the conference.
She noted that the summit will provide a unique opportunity for participants to shape economic policies, secure capital, and contribute meaningfully to the Federal Government’s development agenda.
To facilitate participation, she disclosed that the Commission is working with Canadian authorities to establish a specialised Event Code (RRRC) process to ease visa processing for legitimate delegates, while a dedicated registration portal for the conference will soon be launched.
“The message is clear,” she said. “Nigeria is open for business. Our diaspora is the key, and Toronto 2026 is where the future begins.”
Speaking during the briefing, a member of the organising committee in Canada, Chuks, commended NiDCOM for bringing together Nigerians from different parts of the world to collaborate on initiatives capable of strengthening Nigeria’s global reputation and economic growth.
He noted that the conference will serve as a platform to stimulate conversations around investment opportunities, technology transfer, research collaboration and professional partnerships that can benefit Nigeria and its diaspora communities.
According to him, the goal is to ensure that the conference produces measurable outcomes rather than remaining a routine gathering of stakeholders.
“This is not just about holding a conference where people come to speak and leave. The impact must be measurable, and the conversations must lead to investments, partnerships and stronger relationships between Nigeria and the rest of the world,” he said.
Chuks also expressed optimism that the initiative could expand in future editions to other global regions including Europe and Asia, further strengthening diaspora engagement across continents.
Also speaking from Ottawa, Nigerian entrepreneur Akeem Araoye welcomed the initiative and described the conference as timely, noting that Nigerian businesses in Canada face several regulatory and logistical challenges that require greater dialogue between governments and stakeholders.
He highlighted difficulties faced by African food importers in Canada, particularly Nigerian entrepreneurs who struggle with regulatory bottlenecks that sometimes result in imported food products being held, rejected, or destroyed despite meeting standards in other jurisdictions.
Araoye said addressing such issues through dialogue at the conference could help improve trade relationships and create smoother pathways for Nigerian businesses operating abroad.
Responding to the concerns, Dabiri-Erewa assured participants that the conference would provide an opportunity for diaspora entrepreneurs to raise such challenges directly with policymakers and relevant authorities.
She stressed that meaningful solutions often emerge when stakeholders are present in the same decision-making spaces.
“If you are not in the room where policies are being discussed, it becomes difficult to influence change,” she noted, adding that NIDEC 2026 will prioritise discussions around improving trade processes and removing barriers faced by diaspora businesses.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Abdul Rahman Terra expressed appreciation to members of the media and stakeholders who participated in the press conference both in Nigeria and Canada.
He said the briefing was aimed at generating awareness and mobilising global interest in the upcoming conference while encouraging Nigerians worldwide to participate actively in shaping its outcomes.
Terra also thanked members of the Nigerian community in Canada who joined the event virtually despite the early morning time difference, noting that their commitment demonstrates the strong interest of the diaspora in contributing to Nigeria’s development.
He urged the media to continue supporting the initiative by promoting awareness of the conference and its objectives, expressing confidence that the event would deliver meaningful results for Nigeria and its global diaspora community.
With preparations already in progress, the Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference 2026 is poised to emerge as a major platform for attracting diaspora investment and deepening Nigeria’s economic partnerships across the globe.
