By Nkechi Eze
Financial experts have identified Nigeria’s capital market as an alternative investment destination for Nigerians in the diaspora, urging them to diversify their investment portfolios beyond traditional options such as real estate.
The experts made the call during a panel discussion on capital markets at the ninth edition of the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) 2026, themed, “Bridging the Trust Gap: Connecting Diaspora Capital with Credible Home-based Opportunities”.
Hajia Aisha Wanka, Regional Head, First Asset Management Ltd, who represented the firm’s Executive Director, Mr Sola Popoola, identified investment security as one of the major concerns of diaspora investors, stressing the responsibility of asset management firms to provide professional guidance and help clients make informed investment decisions.
Wanka explained that investment risks vary according to individual risk appetite, financial objectives and investment timelines, urging Nigerians abroad to understand the risks associated with different investment options and available measures for managing them.
She also emphasised the importance of financial literacy and professional guidance before venturing into investments, noting that investors must fulfil certain requirements when opening investment accounts.
Similarly, the panel moderator, Mr Kachi Okezie, a Legal and Business Consultant, called for increased financial education, sensitisation and public enlightenment to encourage wider participation in the capital market.
While acknowledging the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) for its efforts towards improving market structures and investor awareness, Okezie said more needed to be done to educate small businesses on accessing the capital market for long-term financing.
He recalled that discussions at previous editions of the summit, particularly between 2022 and 2025, had identified crowdfunding as a viable instrument for expanding diaspora participation in the capital market.
Okezie also advocated improved investor onboarding processes and advisory services to make investment opportunities more accessible to Nigerians living abroad.
In his closing remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI), Mr Mobolaji Lewis, said the panel discussion reinforced the need to build investor confidence through financial education, transparency and access to credible investment opportunities.
He explained that one of the objectives of the engagement was to encourage diaspora Nigerians to look beyond traditional investment options, particularly real estate, and explore opportunities in the country’s capital market.
Lewis appreciated participants, sponsors and partners for their support and participation, expressing optimism that the second day of the summit would provide further engaging and enlightening discussions.
The panel discussion concluded activities on the first day of the ninth NDIS 2026, organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in collaboration with the Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI).
