NiDCOM Rolls Out New Diaspora Innovation Drive

NiDCOM Rolls Out New Diaspora Innovation Drive
…Offers ₦1m Prize
NiDCOM expressed gratitude to its partners for their continued support

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has unveiled a major new initiative designed to deepen diaspora engagement and accelerate Nigeria’s national development efforts.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, announced the launch of the Connected Diaspora x DOWA Start-Up Challenge alongside the Connected Diaspora Flagship Event 2025 on Tuesday, describing both as timely and transformative.

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Dabiri-Erewa explained that the initiatives are crafted to harness the creativity, technical expertise and entrepreneurial drive of Nigerians across the world. She said the Start-Up Challenge themed “Building, Breaking and Believing in Nigeria” will stimulate enterprise development, innovation, knowledge exchange and diaspora-led investment.

The competition features cash prizes of up to ₦1 million and will recognise exceptional ideas and high-impact ventures developed by Nigerians abroad. She emphasised that the effort aligns with the Federal Government’s continued commitment to treating the diaspora community as crucial partners in national growth.

NiDCOM also announced that the Connected Diaspora Flagship Event will hold on December 19, 2025, in Lagos.

NiDCOM Rolls Out New Diaspora Innovation Drive

The gathering is expected to bring together entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, tech leaders and development partners for high-level conversations on the country’s socio-economic future.

The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, will serve as Special Guest of Honour, addressing the importance of deeper government–diaspora collaboration for national development.

A keynote address will be delivered by Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Zinox Group, celebrated for his work in advancing digital innovation and entrepreneurship across Africa.

Other contributors from the global Nigerian diaspora network and the local innovation ecosystem will also participate, offering perspectives on sustainable pathways for enhanced diaspora engagement.

NiDCOM expressed gratitude to its partners for their continued support, noting that their collaboration strengthens diaspora potential and drives economic growth.

The Commission urged public and private sector stakeholders to maximise the opportunities presented by the new initiatives particularly in fostering innovation, investment and nation-building. It further encouraged young Nigerians and diaspora returnees to enter the Start-Up Challenge before the December 7, 2025 deadline.

The December event will also feature a Diaspora Talent Career and Internship Fair, designed to connect returning diaspora professionals with internship placements offered by DOWA partner organisations, enhancing talent exchange and supporting Nigeria’s development agenda.