The Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) recorded over N673 million worth of diaspora investment deals in 2024, according to the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

Dabiri-Erewa also revealed that since its inception in 2018, the Summit has contributed more than N500 million to Nigeria’s local economy through payments to service providers, creatives, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) engaged around the annual event.

Speaking at a media briefing ahead of the 2025 edition, she said the forthcoming summit aims to build on previous successes and further deepen diaspora participation in national development.

President Bola Tinubu is expected to serve as the guest of honour at the 8th edition of the Summit, which will take place from November 11 to 13, 2025, in Abuja.

This year’s event, themed “Fast-Tracking Regional and National Development by Mobilising Diaspora Investment,” is projected to attract no fewer than 3,000 participants, both physically and virtually.

She said, “We are determined to build on this momentum. This year, we will continue to spotlight sectors critical to Nigeria’s transformation: Finance and Fintech; ICT; Creative Industries, Sports and Entertainment; Agribusiness; Healthcare; Education; Real Estate and Infrastructure; Manufacturing and Energy.”

Dabiri-Erewa added, “We are honoured that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will once again serve as the Special Guest of Honour, and we anticipate the participation of distinguished business leaders, diaspora investors, policy champions, and creative icons who continue to inspire confidence in Nigeria’s potential.”

Dabiri-Erewa informed that since its inception in 2018, the NDIS has become a trusted platform that fosters ‘direct, credible and impactful investments’ from the Nigerian diaspora into the local economy.

She highlighted the success of the 2024 edition, saying, “The last edition of the Summit, held in November 2024, showed just how much momentum NDIS has built over the years as it welcomed above 1,500 participants, both online and physically, including 236 investors, 1,197 business owners, and 168 government officials. Over the course of the Summit, a total of 56 pitches were presented across eight key sectors, which highlighted the creativity, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians. These ideas were not just pitched but attracted about 168 deals worth about N673 million.

“The Creative, Entertainment, and Sport sector stole the spotlight with 39 deals, showing just how much talent and energy Nigeria has to offer. But when it came to big money, Infrastructure and Real Estate led the way, securing about N201 million across 22 deals. Energy, though quieter with just four deals, still drew an impressive N172 million. Agribusiness made its mark too, with 28 deals bringing in N103 million. While the numbers are impressive, the true story lies in the impact these investments are having on everyday lives in Nigeria.

They are helping to create jobs for young people, giving them opportunities to learn new skills and earn a living. They are helping businesses expand their operations, reach new markets, and become more competitive. For example, GAIN Business Incubator raised over N200 million to expand its operations. Xtralarge Farms secured international distribution deals through connections made at the Summit. Filmmakers like JohnMark Iyoo found mentors and pathways to bring Nigerian stories to a global audience.”

In addition, the NiDCOM Chairman noted that several state governments, including Ondo, Nasarawa, and Borno, have leveraged the Summit in previous years to attract investors and advance major development projects, such as Ondo’s port initiative, which later gained Federal Government approval.

She pointed, “These outcomes show that NDIS is more than a conference; it is a catalyst for enterprise and sustainable partnership.”

She therefore called on Nigerians in the diaspora and those at home to seize emerging investment opportunities through the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) and invest massively in Nigeria’s economic development.

She asserted that NDIS has grown beyond being a conference but as a catalyst for enterprise and sustainable development, which has fostered job creation, youth empowerment, and connecting Nigeria’s enormous talent pool to its development agenda.

Also speaking, Dr. Badewa Adejugbe-Williams, Chairperson of the Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI), noted that over the years, the summi’ has served as a vital bridge, attracting investments and unlocking the vast potential of the diaspora for Nigeria’s development.

She added that this year’s theme aligns perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to diversify the nation’s economy and drive inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Dr. Adejugbe-Williams also encouraged new sponsors, investors, and media partners to amplify the message of the Summit and take advantage of the opportunities it presents.

Organised by NiDCOM with NDSI, the Summit connects Diaspora investors with local entrepreneurs across key sectors, including Finance and Fintech, ICT, Creative Industries, Sports, Agribusiness, Healthcare, Education, Real Estate, Infrastructure, Manufacturing, and Energy.

All participants are urged to register at www.ndisng.com. (The Nation)