Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, OON, Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission At the Exhibition Center during the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit 2025.
The 8th Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) has commenced in Abuja with renewed calls for deeper collaboration between Nigerians in the diaspora and state governments to fast track inclusive growth and sustainable national development.
This year’s Summit, themed “Fast-Tracking Regional and National Development by Mobilising Diaspora Investment,” attracted top government officials, investors, entrepreneurs, and development partners committed to unlocking the vast potential of the Nigerian diaspora for economic transformation.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, emphasised that Nigeria’s sub-nationals are critical to translating diaspora capital into measurable impact at the grassroots.
He commended NiDCOM and the Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI) for sustaining a vital platform that connects global Nigerian talent with investment opportunities across the federation.
According to him, “For investment to truly deliver development, it must be felt at the grassroots, where the majority of our people live and work. The sub-nationals are not just locations for investment; we are partners and facilitators of it.”
Abdulrazaq, who wàs represented by Mr. Eghosa M. Omoigui Dìrector-General, Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) stressed that State Governments are steadily strengthening regulatory frameworks, upgrading infrastructure, and building partnerships that support private sector growth.
He announced the launch of the NGF Investopedia, a state-by-state investment intelligence platform that showcases sectoral opportunities, policy incentives, and comparative advantages across the 36 States.
This, he said, will serve as a credible guide for diaspora investors to make informed decisions.
Reaffirming the Forum’s commitment to supporting diaspora-led investments, he stated: “We are working collectively to harmonise policies, reduce red tape, and create clear frameworks for land acquisition, taxation, and business registration. We want to make Nigeria’s sub-nationals the most attractive destinations for investment.”
In her welcome address, Dr. Badewa T. Adejugbe- Williams, Chairman of the Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI), described the Summit as a testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and perseverance.
“What began as a bold idea to connect Nigeria with her global diaspora has evolved into one of the most influential platforms for diaspora engagement and investment facilitation in our nation’s history,” she said.
She expressed gratitude to government partners, investors, entrepreneurs, moderators, sponsors, exhibitors, and the media for their continued support, describing them as key drivers of the Summit’s impact.
“This year’s edition comes at a time when the world is looking to Africa and to Nigeria in particular as a destination for innovation, creativity, and enterprise,” Dr. Adejugbe Williams added.
“The NDIS stands as a beacon of what is possible when we harness the talents, resources, and commitment of Nigerians both at home and abroad towards building a prosperous future.”
She urged participants to engage deeply, connect widely, and think boldly throughout the Summit, emphasising that the Nigerian diaspora is not just a source of remittances but “a force for renewal, innovation, and nation-building.”
As the Summit progresses, the Federal Government, through NiDCOM, in collaboration with NDSI and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening diaspora engagement frameworks and creating enabling environments for sustainable diaspora investments across all sectors and regions.
