By Maymunah A. Zubair
The 7th Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) 2024, themed “Adapting Stability through Diaspora Investment: Navigating the Path to Prosperity” gathered Nigerians at home and abroad for a hybrid three-day event in Abuja and online. Spearheaded by NIDCOM’s MD/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the summit fostered key investment dialogues and brought together high-profile dignitaries, including representative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume, who delivered the keynote address, alongside prominent legislators and industry leaders.
In her opening remarks, Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the pivotal role of the diaspora in Nigeria’s development. “Our diaspora remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s potential for growth, and this summit underscores their role as transformative agents,” she said. Her message set a hopeful tone for the discussions and networking that followed, covering a broad range of sectors, from tech and agribusiness to healthcare, manufacturing, real estate, and the creative industry.
In his keynote, the SGF Senator George Akume emphasized the government’s commitment to an enabling investment climate, stating, “Nigeria’s potential is vast, and with the expertise and investments from our diaspora, we can fuel sustainable development.”
Senator Victor Umeh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora Affairs, also addressed the gathering, stressing the importance of sustainable investments. “Our diaspora community is essential to Nigeria’s future. Their resilience and innovation are key to driving sustainable economic growth,” he remarked. Echoing similar sentiments, Honorable Tochukwu Okere, Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, added, “Platforms like NDIS are essential in creating the bridge between Nigeria and our global diaspora community. The connections and investments made here can fundamentally transform our economy.”
Ambassador Bolaji Akinremi, Director of Trade and Investment at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, further encouraged participants to explore available government resources, especially the Global Business Match platform. “This platform provides a unique opportunity for Nigerian businesses and global investors to connect, collaborate, and create lasting economic impact,” he stated.
The Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa (DTCA), co-organizers of the event, also voiced support through Ambassador Rabiu Dagari, represented by Okeoghenemaro Sefia, who noted, “This summit represents a collective effort to drive Nigeria forward, fostering partnerships that extend across borders.”
The event culminated in a gala night and awards ceremony, celebrating innovative pitches and outstanding contributions from diaspora entrepreneurs. Many deals were closed, and new partnerships formed, underscoring the potential of the Nigerian diaspora to drive substantial economic progress and establish Nigeria as a thriving business hub on the global stage. Diaspora Investment Summit Forges Path for Economic Growth and Global Partnerships
