Nigeria Gains Over N673m In Diaspora Investment Deals At 2024 Summit

Nigeria secured over N673 million in Diaspora investment deals in 2024 through the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit. Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), made this announcement while briefing the media ahead of the 2025 Summit.

Dabiri-Erewa also highlighted the summit’s contribution to Nigeria’s local economy, noting that it has generated over ₦500 million for service providers, creatives, and SMEs engaged around the event since its inception in 2018.

President Bola Tinubu is expected to be the guest of honour at this year’s Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit, scheduled for November 11-13, 2025, in Abuja, according to the NIDCOM boss. Approximately 3,000 participants are anticipated to attend the 8th edition of the Summit, both online and in person.

The summit’s theme is “Fast-Tracking Regional and National Development by Mobilizing Diaspora Investment.” Dabiri-Erewa stated, “We are determined to build on this momentum.

“This year, we will continue to spotlight sectors critical to Nigeria’s transformation: Finance and Fintech; ICT; Creative Industries, Sports and Entertainment; Agribusiness; Healthcare; Education; Real Estate and Infrastructure; Manufacturing and Energy.”

She added, “We are honoured that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will once again serve as the Special Guest of Honour.

“We anticipate the participation of distinguished business leaders, diaspora investors, policy champions, and creative icons who continue to inspire confidence in Nigeria’s potential.”

Dabiri-Erewa emphasised that since 2018, the NDIS has become a trusted platform that fosters ‘direct, credible, and impactful investments’ from the Nigerian diaspora into the local economy.

“The last edition of the Summit, held in November 2024, demonstrated the considerable momentum NDIS has built. It welcomed over 1,500 participants online and in person, including 236 investors, 1,197 business owners, and 168 government officials.

“During the Summit, 56 pitches were presented across eight key sectors, showcasing the creativity, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians. These ideas attracted about 168 deals worth approximately N673 million,” she stated.

The Creative, Entertainment, and Sport sector garnered the most deals (39), underscoring Nigeria’s abundant talent and energy. However, Infrastructure and Real Estate led in monetary value, securing about ₦201 million across 22 deals.

Energy, though accounting for only four deals, still attracted an impressive ₦172 million, and Agribusiness generated ₦103 million from 28 deals.

“These investments are having a tangible impact on everyday lives in Nigeria, creating jobs for young people, providing opportunities to learn new skills and earn a living, and helping businesses expand their operations and reach new markets,” Dabiri-Erewa noted.

She cited examples like GAIN Business Incubator raising over ₦200 million to expand its operations, Xtralarge Farms securing international distribution deals, and filmmakers like JohnMark Iyoo finding mentors to bring Nigerian stories to a global audience.

Dabiri-Erewa also mentioned that several state governments, including Ondo, Nasarawa, and Borno, have previously utilised the Summit to attract investors and promote major development projects, such as Ondo’s port initiative, which later received Federal Government approval.

“These outcomes demonstrate that NDIS is more than just a conference; it is a catalyst for enterprise and sustainable partnership,” she asserted.

She urged Nigerians in the diaspora and at home to seize emerging investment opportunities through the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) and invest heavily in Nigeria’s economic development.

She stated that NDIS has grown beyond being a conference but as a catalyst for enterprise and sustainable development, which has fostered job creation, youth empowerment, and connecting Nigeria’s enormous talent pool to its development agenda.

Dr. Badewa Adejugbe-Williams, Chairperson of the Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI), added that the summit has served as a vital bridge over the years, attracting investments and unlocking the vast potential of the diaspora for Nigeria’s development.

This year’s theme aligns perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to diversify the nation’s economy and drive inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Dr. Adejugbe-Williams also encouraged new sponsors, investors, and media partners to amplify the message of the Summit and take advantage of the opportunities it presents.

The Summit, organized by NiDCOM with NDSI, connects Diaspora investors with local entrepreneurs across key sectors including Finance and Fintech, ICT, Creative Industries, Sports, Agribusiness, Healthcare, Education, Real Estate, Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Energy.

All participants are encouraged to register at www.ndisng.com.