The Federal Government has described the 2026 Nigeria Diaspora Investment Economic Conference (NIDEC) as a strategic platform for attracting investment and boosting economic growth, dismissing concerns that the event is merely another diplomatic gathering.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, made the clarification in Abuja ahead of the conference scheduled to hold in Toronto, Canada, from August 12 to 15.
Enikanolaiye said the conference aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s foreign policy agenda centred on Demography, Development, Democracy and Diaspora, adding that the administration is focused on securing tangible economic outcomes from international engagements.
According to him, the conference is designed to connect Nigeria with investors, businesses and members of the diaspora who are interested in contributing to the country’s economic transformation.
“This administration does not travel for jamborees. We travel for results. Mr. President has mandated a high-powered delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President because NIDEC 2026 is a deal room for Nigeria’s growth,” he said.
The minister disclosed that the conference would feature discussions on trade, investment, small and medium-scale enterprise partnerships and improved market access for Nigerian products in North America. Senior Canadian officials and representatives of key economic institutions are expected to participate.
He also highlighted the involvement of major Nigerian agencies, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, which will showcase opportunities aimed at attracting diaspora capital and expanding exports.
Enikanolaiye said five state governors from Anambra, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau and Zamfara would also engage prospective investors on projects in agriculture, infrastructure, mining and technology.
He noted that Nigeria received more than $20 billion in diaspora remittances last year and stressed the need to convert those financial inflows into productive investments capable of creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
The minister further explained that the conference would address challenges faced by Nigerians abroad seeking to invest in the country while creating opportunities for partnerships in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.
“NIDEC 2026 is economic diplomacy in action. Nigeria is open for business. And we are going to Toronto to close deals,” he stated.
The conference is themed “Invest Nigeria, Thrive Abroad.”
