NiDCOM Sets National Growth Agenda as Diaspora Investors Converge in Abuja

NiDCOM Sets National Growth Agenda as Diaspora Investors Converge in Abuja
Technology and Education took centre stage as diaspora innovators showcased transformative ideas
Dr Badewa Adejugbe Williams described the Summit as a bridge connecting ideas, people and opportunities

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has reaffirmed the central role of the diaspora in driving national development as the 8th Nigerian Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) continues in Abuja with renewed momentum and strong stakeholder participation, Eko Hot Blog reports.

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Organised by NiDCOM in collaboration with the Nigerian Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI), the Summit brought together more than one thousand participants from within and outside Nigeria, alongside many others who joined virtually.

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This year’s theme, “Fast Tracking Regional and National Development by Mobilising Diaspora Investment,” underscored renewed efforts to channel diaspora expertise, talent and capital into national priorities.

NDIS Coordinator, Dr Badewa Adejugbe Williams, described the Summit as a bridge connecting ideas, people and opportunities.

“Every edition of NDIS tells a story of progress, resilience and possibility,” she said, noting that when Nigerians at home and abroad work together, the outcomes are often extraordinary.

NiDCOM Sets National Growth Agenda as Diaspora Investors Converge in Abuja

She commended partners, sponsors and investors, and gave special recognition to Hon Abike Dabiri Erewa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, for her consistent leadership in strengthening platforms that link the diaspora to national growth.

“The success of this event reflects what can happen when passion meets purpose. The diaspora continues to prove that distance does not diminish patriotism, it strengthens it,” she added.

The Summit featured high level panel discussions, startup pitches and exhibitions across priority sectors, creating an energetic environment for conversations on job creation and inclusive development.

Technology and Education took centre stage as diaspora innovators showcased transformative ideas.

Moderated by Ms Evelyn Dan Epelle, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of IGET, innovators in FinTech, ICT, logistics and e learning presented solutions that address critical national challenges.

Epelle stressed that technology is the foundation of Nigeria’s next phase of economic growth and highlighted the diaspora’s role in powering that transition.

A session on Education and Human Capital, chaired by Prof Onyishi Ernest Ike, spotlighted proposals aimed at expanding access to quality learning and improving employability.

Prof Ike emphasised the need for sustained investment in education, saying, “Our young people are our greatest asset. Investing in their minds is investing in Nigeria’s future.”

Diaspora investors engaged directly with startup founders, exploring scalable and impact driven solutions that align with national priorities.

The three day event continues with a collective commitment among participants to deepen partnerships that position the Nigerian diaspora as a powerful driver of innovation, investment and nation building.