The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has said Nigeria could attract up to $100 billion annually in diaspora investment if the financial, entrepreneurial and intellectual resources of Nigerians living abroad are effectively harnessed.
The commission also announced that the ninth Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) 2026 would hold on November 10 and 11 in Abuja.
NiDCOM Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, disclosed this while announcing the summit, which she said would support the Federal Government’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.
Dabiri-Erewa, who was represented by the Acting Secretary of the commission, Hon. Abdurrahman Terab, described Nigerians in the diaspora as a strategic economic asset whose financial and professional capacities could accelerate development across critical sectors.
The summit, organised by NiDCOM in partnership with the Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI), is themed, “Bridging the Trust Gap: Connecting Diaspora Capital with Credible Home-based Opportunities.”
According to the commission, the 2026 edition will adopt a hybrid format, combining virtual participation through Zoom with limited physical attendance at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
Dabiri-Erewa said the emphasis on trust and credible investment opportunities was informed by concerns that had discouraged Nigerians abroad from investing in their home country.
She stressed that attracting diaspora capital required more than showcasing investment opportunities, noting the importance of transparency, investor protection, credible institutions, reliable information and effective regulatory frameworks.
She said the summit would provide participants with direct access to government institutions, regulators, project sponsors and investment agencies to obtain practical information on investment procedures, compliance requirements and safeguards.
The two-day event will feature discussions on capital market opportunities, infrastructure investment, regulatory frameworks and investor protection.
The first day, November 10, will focus on Nigeria’s capital market, including financial instruments, investment entry procedures, transparency, risk management and safeguards for diaspora investors.
Expected participants include the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), capital market operators and investment advisers.
The second day will focus on infrastructure opportunities, bankable projects, public-private partnerships and investment protection mechanisms.
Institutions expected to participate include the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
Discussions will also cover business registration, due diligence, anti-fraud measures and administrative reforms aimed at improving the investment environment.
The NiDCOM chief executive said the summit would move beyond general advocacy by providing interactive question-and-answer sessions where participants could engage directly with regulators, mortgage providers, project sponsors and verified service providers.
She explained that the physical component had been scaled down because of the forthcoming national election campaign season, while assuring Nigerians abroad of the commission’s continued commitment to promoting credible and protected investment opportunities.
Dabiri-Erewa described the 2026 summit as preparatory groundwork for the 10th anniversary edition scheduled for 2027.
She called on Nigerians in the diaspora, business groups, professionals, institutional investors, project developers and entrepreneurs to participate.
She also acknowledged the support of First Bank of Nigeria Plc and other partners in connecting Nigerians abroad with investment opportunities in the country.
She said the ultimate objective was to establish secure, transparent and profitable investment pathways through which diaspora capital could contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s sustainable economic
