By Maymunah A. Zubair
Honorable Sir Tochukwu Okere, Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, highlighted the importance of policy-driven collaboration to foster a favorable environment for foreign and diaspora investment in Nigeria during his remarks at the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS). The event brought together investors, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders with the goal of bridging opportunities between Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
In his speech, Hon. Okere underscored the crucial role of government in creating policies that enable smoother processes for diaspora investors interested in contributing to Nigeria’s economic development. He emphasized that fostering an investment-friendly environment is essential, given the challenges that foreign investors often face in navigating regulatory and operational hurdles. “We must build frameworks that simplify the investment process, reduce bottlenecks, and ultimately enhance trust between Nigerian investors and the government,” he stated.
Okere expressed a commitment to supporting legislative policies that encourage diaspora engagement and strengthen Nigeria’s global partnerships. He acknowledged that the diaspora community represents a vital resource for both capital investment and expertise, which, if harnessed, could substantially accelerate Nigeria’s economic growth. “The potential of our diaspora is immense; our task is to create a system that welcomes and sustains their involvement. Through effective policies and proactive partnerships, we can bring their resources and knowledge back home,” he said.
Throughout his address, Hon. Okere highlighted the ongoing efforts of the House Committee on Diaspora Affairs to address issues related to security, infrastructure, and ease of doing business, all of which are critical to attracting and sustaining foreign investment. He advocated for consistent collaboration with agencies like the Nigeria Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) to build on existing policies that protect diaspora interests while supporting Nigeria’s economic agenda.
Hon. Okere also lauded initiatives such as the Nigeria Global Business Match platform and the Global Help Desk, both aimed at connecting diaspora investors with local business opportunities, noting that such tools represent the government’s willingness to adapt to the evolving needs of investors. He called upon diaspora investors to leverage these resources and actively participate in Nigeria’s economic transformation.
“Our future relies on collaboration between policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the Nigerian diaspora. Together, we can build a prosperous, resilient economy that reflects our shared ambitions,” he concluded, emphasizing his commitment to working alongside the diaspora community to bring their ambitions to life.
The event, a hybrid affair with both in-person and virtual participation, offered numerous opportunities for networking and partnerships, and concluded with a gala where several innovative pitches were recognized. Hon. Okere’s remarks echoed the sentiment of collaboration and progress that resonated throughout the summit, fostering optimism for a more investment-ready Nigeria.
