The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has announced plans to deepen engagement with Nigerians abroad through investment-driven initiatives, unveiling the Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NIDEC) 2026, set to hold in Toronto, Canada.
At a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, NiDCOM Chairman and CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, highlighted that the conference signals a strategic shift from consumption-focused remittances to sustainable investments aimed at national development. She noted that while Nigerians in the diaspora contribute over $20 billion annually in remittances, the commission intends to redirect these funds toward investment opportunities that maximize economic impact.
“For years, the Nigerian diaspora has been more than just a community abroad; they have been a financial and intellectual lifeline. Our mission at NiDCOM is to move beyond remittances for consumption and transition into remittances for investment,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
The three-day conference, scheduled for August 13 to 15, 2026, will take place in Mississauga, Canada, and is expected to convene diaspora professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, state governments, and financial institutions. Dabiri-Erewa encouraged stakeholders to leverage the platform to shape policy, secure capital, and contribute to the Federal Government’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
She also disclosed a special visa facilitation process in collaboration with the Canadian government, alongside a dedicated registration portal for delegates, to ensure seamless participation. “Nigeria is open for business. Our diaspora is the key, and Toronto 2026 is where the future begins,” she added.
Explaining the choice of Canada, Dabiri-Erewa described it as home to “one of the most professional, high-achieving, and patriotic segments of the Nigerian diaspora.” The conference, themed “Invest Nigeria, Thrive Abroad,” aims to connect global Nigerian talents to viable investment opportunities across high-impact sectors, including FinTech, ICT, digital innovation, agriculture, mining, renewable energy, healthcare, real estate, and capital markets.
The event will also feature business-to-business matchmaking and the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to drive job creation, technology transfer, and sustainable development. Organized in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa and the Canadian High Commission in Abuja, the conference will coincide with a week-long celebration of Nigerian culture, including the Flavours of Nigeria Festival and the historic hosting of the Headies Awards in Canada for the first time.
