By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
STRONG INVESTOR confidence from Nigerians abroad has continued to boost the local economy, as the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) secured more than N673 million worth of deals in 2024 through targeted investment partnerships facilitated by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, disclosed the figures while briefing the media ahead of the 2025 edition of the summit, scheduled to take place from 11 to 13 November in Abuja.
She also confirmed that President Bola Tinubu will serve as the Special Guest of Honour at this year’s event, which is expected to attract over 3,000 participants both virtually and physically.
According to Dabiri-Erewa, the forthcoming summit, themed “Fast-Tracking Regional and National Development by Mobilising Diaspora Investment,” will build on the successes of previous editions by spotlighting key sectors vital to Nigeria’s transformation.
These include finance and fintech, ICT, creative industries, sports and entertainment, agribusiness, healthcare, education, real estate and infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy.
The NiDCOM chief explained that since its inception in 2018, the NDIS has evolved into a credible platform connecting Nigerian entrepreneurs with investors in the diaspora.
“We are determined to build on this momentum,” she said. “Our members shall continue to drive opportunities that encourage innovation, create jobs, and sustain enterprise across Nigeria’s critical economic sectors.”
She highlighted that the summit has directly supported Nigeria’s domestic economy, contributing over N500 million to service providers, creatives, and small and medium enterprises that have been engaged since its establishment.
Dabiri-Erewa described the event as a “trusted bridge” between diaspora capital and local talent, promoting inclusive development and long-term investment partnerships.
The last edition of the summit, held in November 2024, drew participation from more than 1,500 delegates, including 236 investors, 1,197 business owners, and 168 government representatives.
Over the course of that event, a total of 56 business pitches were presented across eight sectors, resulting in 168 investment deals valued at N673 million.
Dabiri-Erewa revealed that the creative, entertainment, and sports industries dominated the 2024 edition with 39 successful deals, reflecting Nigeria’s growing cultural influence and export potential.
However, infrastructure and real estate accounted for the largest monetary gains with N201 million spread across 22 deals, followed by the energy sector, which secured N172 million through four agreements.
Agribusiness also attracted 28 deals worth N103 million, reflecting renewed interest in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
She noted that the impact of these investments extends beyond numbers, as they have created employment, strengthened local enterprises, and expanded market reach for several Nigerian businesses.
Among the success stories cited were GAIN Business Incubator, which raised over N200 million for expansion, and Xtralarge Farms, which secured international distribution contracts through summit connections.
Filmmakers such as JohnMark Iyoo also benefitted from mentorship opportunities that positioned Nigerian creative content for global recognition.
According to Dabiri-Erewa, several state governments, including Ondo, Nasarawa, and Borno, have leveraged previous summits to attract investors and advance development projects.
She cited Ondo State’s port development initiative, which gained federal approval after being showcased at the summit, as an example of the conference’s long-term impact.
“These outcomes show that NDIS is more than a conference; it is a catalyst for enterprise and sustainable partnerships,” she said, urging Nigerians at home and abroad to seize emerging opportunities to contribute to national growth.
Chairperson of the Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI), Dr. Badewa Adejugbe-Williams, reaffirmed that the summit continues to serve as a strategic link between diaspora investors and domestic entrepreneurs.
She said the 2025 theme aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic diversification, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.
Dr. Adejugbe-Williams encouraged potential investors, sponsors, and media partners to support and amplify the summit’s objectives, emphasising that NDIS remains a practical avenue for unlocking Nigeria’s human and financial capital through diaspora engagement.
He disclosed further that the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit is jointly organised by NiDCOM and NDSI to promote investment linkages across key sectors and urged all interested participants to register at www.ndisng.com ahead of the event in November.
