The Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) recorded over ₦673 million in diaspora investment deals in 2024, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has disclosed.
Speaking ahead of the 2025 edition of the summit, Dabiri-Erewa said that since its inception in 2018, the NDIS has contributed more than ₦500 million to Nigeria’s local economy through payments to service providers, creatives, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) engaged during the annual event.
She added that the forthcoming 8th edition of the summit, scheduled for November 11–13, 2025, in Abuja, will build on previous successes and further deepen diaspora participation in national development, with President Bola Tinubu expected to serve as the guest of honour.
The theme for this year’s summit is “Fast-Tracking Regional and National Development by Mobilising Diaspora Investment,” and it is projected to attract at least 3,000 participants both physically and virtually.
Dabiri-Erewa said, “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 further noted, “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 also emphasised that the NDIS has grown into a trusted platform fostering direct, credible, and impactful investments from the Nigerian diaspora into the local economy.
Highlighting the 2024 edition, she said, “The last summit, held in November 2024, welcomed over 1,500 participants, including 236 investors, 1,197 business owners, and 168 government officials. Over the course of the summit, 56 pitches were presented across eight key sectors, showcasing the creativity, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians. These ideas attracted 168 deals worth approximately ₦673 million.
“The Creative, Entertainment, and Sport sector stood out with 39 deals, while Infrastructure and Real Estate led in value, securing about ₦201 million across 22 deals. Energy, though quieter with just four deals, still attracted ₦172 million, and Agribusiness contributed 28 deals worth ₦103 million. Beyond the numbers, these investments are creating jobs, offering skill acquisition opportunities, and enabling businesses to expand and compete globally. GAIN Business Incubator raised over ₦200 million, Xtralarge Farms secured international distribution deals, and filmmakers like JohnMark Iyoo found pathways to present Nigerian stories to the world.”
She noted that state governments, including Ondo, Nasarawa, and Borno, have leveraged the summit to attract investors and advance development projects, such as Ondo State’s port initiative, which later received Federal Government approval.
“These outcomes demonstrate that NDIS is more than a conference; it is a catalyst for enterprise and sustainable partnerships,” Dabiri-Erewa said, urging Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to capitalise on emerging investment opportunities through the summit.
Dr Badewa Adejugbe-Williams, Chairperson of the Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI), also highlighted the summit’s role in bridging local entrepreneurs with diaspora investors, adding that this year’s theme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at diversifying the economy and promoting inclusive growth.
She encouraged new sponsors, investors, and media partners to amplify the summit’s message and take advantage of the opportunities it presents.
Organised by NiDCOM in collaboration with NDSI, the summit connects diaspora investors with local entrepreneurs across sectors including Finance and Fintech, ICT, Creative Industries, Sports, Agribusiness, Healthcare, Education, Real Estate, Infrastructure, Manufacturing, and Energy.
All interested participants are urged to register at www.ndisng.com.