Abike Dabiri-Erewa Targets Investment Surge at NIDEC 2026 in Toronto
Oru Leonard
Nigeria is intensifying efforts to convert diaspora remittances into long-term investments, as the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) unveils plans for a major global investment drive.
Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, announced that the Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NIDEC) 2026 will take place in Toronto from August 13 to 15, positioning the gathering as a catalyst for channeling diaspora wealth into productive sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Dabiri-Erewa said the Federal Government is determined to move beyond the traditional reliance on remittances for consumption, toward structured investments capable of generating jobs, innovation, and sustainable growth.
“Nigeria’s diaspora is not just a source of funds but a reservoir of expertise and global influence,” she said, stressing that the conference will provide a platform for turning financial inflows into tangible economic outcomes.
With Nigerians abroad contributing over $20 billion annually, NiDCOM is seeking to redirect part of that capital into sectors such as fintech, agriculture, renewable energy, healthcare, real estate, and capital markets.
Under the theme “Invest Nigeria, Thrive Abroad,” NIDEC 2026 is expected to bring together investors, professionals, policymakers, and business leaders for targeted engagements, including business-to-business matchmaking and the signing of investment agreements.
Dabiri-Erewa explained that hosting the conference in Canada reflects the strength and influence of the Nigerian community there, particularly in cities like Toronto and Calgary, where Nigerians have excelled across technology, academia, healthcare, and entrepreneurship.
The Commission is partnering with the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa and the Canadian High Commission in Abuja to coordinate participation and streamline logistics for attendees from both countries.
Beyond investment discussions, the event will feature cultural showcases, including the Flavours of Nigeria Festival and a historic hosting of the The Headies Awards in Canada for the first time.
Members of the organising committee and diaspora stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention to deepen engagement and address barriers facing Nigerian businesses abroad, including regulatory challenges in international trade.
Entrepreneurs have also called for stronger policy dialogue to ease cross-border business operations, particularly in sectors such as food imports, where compliance issues often hinder market access.
Responding, Dabiri-Erewa assured that the conference will provide a direct interface between diaspora investors and policymakers, enabling practical solutions to longstanding challenges.
“If stakeholders are not part of policy conversations, change becomes difficult. NIDEC 2026 will ensure those voices are heard,” she said.
As preparations gather momentum, NiDCOM is also working with Canadian authorities to simplify visa processes for delegates through a special event access system, while a dedicated registration portal is expected to be launched soon.
With its focus on measurable outcomes, NIDEC 2026 is shaping up to be more than a conference—emerging instead as a strategic platform to unlock diaspora-driven investment and reposition Nigeria as a prime destination for global capital.
