Tinubu urges Nigerians in diaspora to invest in Nigeria, move beyond remittances
President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians living abroad to move beyond sending remittances home and invest directly in productive sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Tinubu made the call on Friday while declaring open the three-day Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NIDEC) 2026 in Toronto, Canada, with the theme, “Thrive Abroad, Invest in Nigeria.”
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, the President described Nigerians in the diaspora as evidence that the Nigerian spirit could compete successfully on the global stage.
“Nigeria sees you. Nigeria values you. Nigeria needs you,” Tinubu told hundreds of Nigerians and other stakeholders attending the conference.
He said the economic strength of the diaspora could give Nigerians abroad greater influence in national affairs, including issues such as diaspora voting.
Tinubu said Nigeria’s recent economic indicators showed signs of recovery, citing real Gross Domestic Product growth of 3.89 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, manufacturing growth of 3.29 per cent and inflation easing to 15.91 per cent.
He added that Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion at the end of 2025, while the International Monetary Fund had projected the economy to grow by 4.1 per cent in 2026.
According to him, the World Bank had also acknowledged progress in restoring macroeconomic stability, strengthening the country’s external and fiscal position and sustaining economic growth.
