N673m diaspora investments recorded in 2024, more deals coming in 2025 – Dabiri-Erewa

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has announced that over N673 million worth of investment deals were sealed through the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) in 2024, underscoring the growing confidence of Nigerians abroad in the nation’s economic prospects.

Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, disclosed this during a joint world press conference ahead of the 2025 edition of the Summit scheduled to hold from November 11–13, 2025, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

According to her, the Summit, themed “Fast Tracking Regional and National Development by Mobilising Diaspora Investment,” has evolved since its inception in 2018 into a credible platform that drives direct and impactful diaspora investments into Nigeria’s economy.

She revealed that the 2024 edition recorded over 1,500 participants, including 236 investors and 1,197 business owners, leading to 56 investment deals across sectors valued at about N673 million.

“The creative industry led with 39 deals, followed by the infrastructure, real estate, agribusiness, and energy sectors which also posted impressive results,” Dabiri-Erewa stated.

She commended state governments such as Ondo, Nasarawa, and Borno for leveraging past Summits to attract investors and promote key development projects including Ondo State’s deep seaport initiative, which later received Federal Government approval.

Describing NDIS as a “catalyst for enterprise and sustainable development,” the NiDCOM boss said the platform continues to promote job creation, youth empowerment, and strategic partnerships between diaspora investors and Nigerian entrepreneurs.

She added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will serve as Special Guest of Honour at this year’s event, while appreciating the support of long-standing partners such as DTCA, NIPC, First Bank, NNPC, AG Mortgage Bank, and the media.

Also speaking, Dr. Badewa Adejugbe-Williams, Chairperson of the Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI), said the Summit remains a crucial bridge connecting the diaspora with development opportunities at home.

She explained that this year’s theme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to diversify Nigeria’s economy and promote inclusive, sustainable growth.

“The NDIS continues to unlock the vast potential of the diaspora as a transformative force for national development,” she said, urging investors, sponsors, and media partners to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the platform.

Organised by NiDCOM in collaboration with NDSI, the Summit links diaspora investors with local entrepreneurs across strategic sectors including finance, ICT, creative industries, sports, agribusiness, healthcare, education, real estate, infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy.