President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians abroad to see Nigeria as a prime destination for investment, expertise and entrepreneurial ventures.

Mr Tinubu said ongoing reforms by his administration were aimed at strengthening the economy, improving the business environment and creating opportunities for sustainable investment.

The president, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, stated this while declaring open the three-day Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NIDEC) 2026 in Toronto, Canada.

This is contained in a statement issued by the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, in Abuja on Friday.

Mr Tinubu commended Nigerians abroad for their resilience, enterprise and contributions to the global economy, describing them as important ambassadors of the country.

Speaking at the conference, themed “Thrive Abroad, Invest in Nigeria,” the president praised the chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for convening the maiden edition of the conference.

“Nigeria sees you. Nigeria values you. Nigeria needs you,” Tinubu told participants at the gathering.

The president encouraged Nigerians abroad to bring home not only capital but also skills, technology, networks and global experience.

“Bring home not only your capital, but also your knowledge, technology, networks and international experience. These contributions will accelerate Nigeria’s development and create opportunities for younger generations.”

Mr Tinubu said Nigeria’s economic indicators reflected a country in recovery, citing a 3.89 per cent GDP growth rate in the first quarter of 2026, manufacturing growth of 3.29 per cent, inflation easing to 15.91 per cent and foreign reserves of 45.4 billion dollars at the end of 2025.

He added that the International Monetary Fund projected Nigeria’s economy to grow by 4.1 per cent in 2026, while the World Bank had acknowledged improvements in macroeconomic stability and fiscal management.

According to him, recent reforms had produced a new tax framework aimed at simplifying compliance and easing the burden on low-income earners and small businesses.

Mr Tinubu said the government continued to invest heavily in roads, railways, ports, power, digital infrastructure, healthcare, housing and agriculture to stimulate sustainable growth.

The president, however, challenged Nigerians in the diaspora to move beyond remittances and embrace structured investments that could deliver long-term economic benefits.

“Remittances are invaluable, but they must now become the floor of diaspora engagement, not its ceiling.”

Mr Tinubu urged Nigerians abroad to organise themselves into professionally managed investment clubs, sector funds, co-investment vehicles and venture networks.

“Pool capital, demand audited accounts, insist on proper governance and conduct due diligence with credible professional advisers,” he advised.

He assured them that the government would continue to improve the investment climate through predictable policies, transparent processes and stronger protection against fraud.

“Government owes the diaspora predictable rules, transparent project pipelines, efficient consular services and stronger protection from fraud.”

The president also appealed for unity ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that political competition should not threaten national stability.

Earlier, Mrs Dabiri-Erewa described the conference as a platform to deepen engagement with Nigerians abroad and harness their expertise for national development and accelerated economic growth.

She urged Nigerians in the diaspora to see Nigeria not only as home but also as a destination for investment and innovation.

Some state governors, members of the Federal Executive Council and senior government officials attended the conference. 

(NAN)