ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria is seeking to attract greater investment from its citizens abroad, with officials estimating that diaspora capital could contribute up to US$100 billion annually. The government says stronger investor protection and greater transparency will be essential to achieving that ambition.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) announced the investment potential ahead of the ninth Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit, scheduled for 10–11 November 2026.
The summit will focus on connecting Nigerians abroad with credible investment opportunities in their home country. It will also address concerns that have discouraged diaspora investors from committing capital to Nigerian businesses and infrastructure.
NiDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa said Nigeria must strengthen institutional confidence and provide reliable investment information. She made the remarks through the commission’s Acting Secretary, Abdulrahman Terab, during a briefing in Abuja on 6 November.
The proposed $100 billion represents an estimate of potential annual investment, not money already secured. Officials believe Nigeria could attract more diaspora capital by improving financial safeguards and investment procedures.
The summit’s theme, Bridging the Trust Gap: Connecting Diaspora Capital with Credible Home-based Opportunities, reflects those concerns.
Many Nigerians living overseas maintain economic connections with their home country through remittances, property ownership and family businesses. However, converting those relationships into larger commercial investments requires dependable institutions and enforceable agreements.
Organisers want to move beyond traditional remittances towards productive investments that support businesses, infrastructure and employment.
The first day will examine capital market opportunities, investment procedures and financial safeguards. Discussions will involve institutions including the Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigerian Exchange Group and Central Bank of Nigeria.
Infrastructure development and public-private partnerships will dominate the second day. Participants will also examine business registration, due diligence, regulatory requirements and measures to prevent investment fraud.
The programme will bring diaspora investors into direct contact with regulators, project sponsors and financial institutions. Organisers say these engagements should help investors assess opportunities before committing funds.
Mobolaji Lewis, chairman of the Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative, said the priority was to connect diaspora capital with properly structured projects. He emphasised the importance of transparency and credible investment systems.
The event will operate primarily online, with limited physical attendance at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
Nigeria’s initiative reflects a wider opportunity across Africa. Diaspora communities possess financial resources, professional expertise and international business networks that could support economic development.
However, successful investment programmes must offer more than patriotic appeals. Investors need clear ownership structures, trustworthy partners and effective mechanisms for resolving disputes.
The summit could provide a platform for stronger cooperation between Nigerian institutions and entrepreneurs abroad. Its longer-term success will depend on whether discussions lead to verified investments, sustainable businesses and measurable economic benefits.
