By Damilare Adeleye
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has noted that the 2026 edition of the Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NIDEC) will translate diaspora resources to tangible investment opportunities at home.
The 2026 edition of the Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NIDEC) is scheduled to take place from August 13 to 15, 2026, at the Apollo Convention Center in Toronto (Mississauga), Canada.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa described the conference as a major step forward in strengthening diaspora engagement and investment.
Dabiri-Erewa emphasised the need to shift focus from consumption-driven remittances to sustainable investments, noting that Nigerians in the diaspora contribute over $20 billion annually to the country’s economy.
“Beyond these financial contributions, our diaspora community brings valuable skills, knowledge, and global exposure that are critical to Nigeria’s development. NIDEC 2026 will connect these resources to tangible investment opportunities at home,” she said.
With the theme “Invest Nigeria, Thrive Abroad,” the conference will provide a structured platform for diaspora professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs to explore key sectors vital to Nigeria’s economic transformation. These include fintech and digital innovation, agriculture and agro-processing, mining and renewable energy, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, real estate and infrastructure, as well as banking and capital markets.
The NiDCOM boss noted that the conference is designed to deliver measurable outcomes through business-to-business engagements, strategic partnerships, and the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at driving job creation, technology transfer, and sustainable development.
The event is being organised in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa and the Canadian High Commission in Abuja to ensure seamless participation for delegates.
It will also feature a week-long celebration of Nigerian culture and excellence, including the Flavours of Nigeria Festival and a historic staging of the The Headies Honors, which will be held in Canada for the first time.
Dabiri-Erewa called on Nigerian entrepreneurs, state governments with viable projects, financial institutions, and diaspora professionals to take advantage of the platform to shape policy, access funding, and contribute to national development.
To support participation, she disclosed that arrangements are ongoing with the Canadian government to introduce a specialised Event Code (RRRC) process for easier visa access, alongside the launch of a dedicated registration portal for attendees.
“Nigeria is open for business. Our diaspora is the key. And Toronto 2026 is where the future begins,” she said.
In his remarks, the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to Canada, Abba Zanna-Kawu, assured that preparations are underway to ensure the conference is both impactful and memorable.
NIDEC 2026 is expected to attract government officials, investors, entrepreneurs, financial institutions, development partners, and diaspora professionals from around the world, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to deepening diaspora investment and engagement.