Tinubu Woos Diaspora Nigerians to Invest in Nigeria
Sunday Ehigiator President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians in the diaspora to channel their wealth, expertise and global networks into productive investments in Nigeria, saying their success abroad should
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed the 2026 Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference in Toronto, calling on Nigerians living abroad to invest in Nigeria's economy rather than just acquiring property. He emphasized that diaspora investment should be driven by opportunity, shared strategic interest, and patriotism, rather than nostalgia or charity.
Tinubu encouraged investment in sectors such as agro-processing, healthcare, technology, energy, housing, logistics, mining, education, and creative industries. He urged the diaspora to view Nigeria as a platform for continental expansion within the African Continental Free Trade Area. The President also called for the establishment of professionally governed investment clubs, sector funds, co-investment vehicles, and venture networks.
Tinubu stressed the importance of due diligence, audited accounts, and proper governance. He noted that remittances, while crucial for supporting households, should be seen as the minimum contribution of the diaspora, with investment intended to expand production. According to the latest data, Nigeria's real GDP growth was 3.89 percent in the first quarter of 2026, manufacturing growth was 3.29 percent, and inflation stood at 15.91 percent.
The country ended 2025 with $45.4 billion in foreign reserves, improved exchange-rate stability, and sustained trade surpluses. The International Monetary Fund projected 4.1 percent economic growth for Nigeria in 2026, while the World Bank acknowledged progress in restoring macroeconomic stability and strengthening the country's external and fiscal positions.
Tinubu acknowledged that significant challenges remained, including the need to accelerate productivity, create jobs, reduce living costs, and ensure that economic gains are more widely distributed. He also emphasized the importance of predictable rules, transparent project pipelines, credible counterparties, efficient consular services, stronger property rights, and faster dispute resolution to earn the confidence of Nigerians in the diaspora.
Tinubu urged Nigerian professionals living abroad to deploy their intellectual capacity and expertise to national development, including mentoring entrepreneurs, establishing research partnerships, supporting hospitals, opening foreign markets to Nigerian products, and transferring international standards and systems. He appealed for constructive engagement between government and the diaspora, stating that criticism should be factual and aimed at correction.
The President asked Nigerians to place national interest above partisan considerations and warned against activities that could destabilize the country. Tinubu challenged the conference participants to measure success by concrete outcomes, such as enterprises funded, institutions strengthened, young Nigerians mentored, export routes opened, research partnerships established, and communities transformed.
He invoked Bob Marley's philosophy, quoting the late reggae icon, "In the abundance of water the fool is thirsty," and argued that Nigeria possessed abundant natural resources, arable land, and human capital, offering enormous opportunities for those who invest and do business in the country.
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