Nigeria Hails Expatriates as Key Partners in Economic Development
Maryam Aminu
Nigeria has recognised expatriate investors and professionals operating in the country as key partners in national development, citing their contributions to investment, job creation, knowledge transfer and economic growth.
The recognition came at The Expatriates Business Awards (TEBA) 2026, held in Abuja on Thursday night, where outstanding members of the expatriate community were honoured for their contributions to Nigeria’s economy and society.
Speaking at the event, Director of Awards, Odunola Abayomi, said TEBA was established to recognise individuals who had crossed borders, embraced Nigeria, built businesses and created opportunities while contributing to the country’s growth and development.
According to her, “Tonight is not just another evening of awards. It is an evening of recognition, appreciation, celebration and gratitude.
“Every award presented tonight is more than a trophy. It is a public salute to individuals, organisations and communities whose contributions have strengthened the Nigerian economy.”
Abayomi said recognising expatriate investors and professionals was important because making them feel valued could encourage them to expand their investments and contribute further to the development of Nigeria, which they had chosen to call home.
She noted that the support received from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development demonstrated that TEBA was aligned with Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic engagement with the international community.
“Foreign Affairs represents Nigeria’s gateway to the world. It is where diplomacy is cultivated and bridges are built between nations. The support we have received demonstrates that TEBA is not simply an awards ceremony,” she said.
The Director of Awards expressed appreciation to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for their support for the initiative.
She also gave special recognition to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dr. Dunoma Umar Ahmed, and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Mahmud Adam Kambari, describing them as “heroes behind the success of TEBA 2026.”
“Behind every successful event is a team who may not stand on the stage, but whose decisions and goodwill make the stage possible. The TEBA team says to you: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you,” she said.
Also speaking, Niyi Fatogun, who represented the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, at TEBA 2026, said honouring foreign nationals doing business in Nigeria was important in highlighting the investment opportunities available in the country.
Fatogun said expatriates who had chosen Nigeria as their business destination were contributing to the economy through investments, employment generation and other commercial activities, despite negative perceptions about the country in some parts of the world.
“People migrate all over the world. We have most places where we have bad press in terms of Nigeria, but here now, these people are here to tell the world that Nigeria is not what they hear about Nigeria,” he said.
He said recognising the expatriate business community could encourage more foreign nationals to invest in Nigeria while reinforcing the country’s position as a market with opportunities for international businesses and investors.
“It is good to honour them for them to also show that the country is good. The country is open for business. The country is open for investment. They are here investing and doing well and thriving,” Fatogun stated.
He urged expatriates operating in Nigeria to sustain their investments and business activities, saying their experiences in the country could help project Nigeria as a viable destination for foreign capital and commercial partnerships.
“The advice is for them to continue to thrive, continue to show that Nigeria is a friendly country to them. Nigeria is open to foreigners and basically tell the world that we are a country that is ready for them,” he added.
