Nigeria is using the Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference 2026 in Toronto to strengthen economic ties with its diaspora community and attract fresh investment into key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The conference, organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa, the Canadian High Commission in Abuja and other stakeholders, is being held under the theme, “Invest Nigeria; Thrive Abroad.” The five day programme brings together government officials, state representatives, investors, entrepreneurs, business leaders and members of the Nigerian community in Canada.
The conference is designed to move diaspora engagement beyond remittances for consumption towards long term investments capable of creating jobs, transferring skills and technology and supporting economic development in Nigeria.
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, is leading the Nigerian government delegation. Other senior officials include Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji Ojo.
NiDCOM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Abike Dabiri Erewa has described the Nigerian diaspora as an important economic resource, urging Nigerians abroad to channel their financial resources, expertise and global networks into productive investments in Nigeria.
The conference also features participation from state governments, giving subnational authorities an opportunity to present investment ready projects directly to international investors.
Adamawa Highlights Investment Opportunities
Adamawa State is among the states represented at the conference, by Alhaji Halilu Hammawa Malabu, Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Investment Promotion Agency (ADIPA), and Dr. Bello Abubakar Song, the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) focal person .
The Adamawa delegation is presenting opportunities in areas including agribusiness, livestock, renewable energy, solid minerals and industrial development, while highlighting reforms aimed at making the state more attractive to investors.
Through its investment promotion agency and business enabling reforms programme, Adamawa is seeking to improve land administration, investment promotion, public private partnerships, transparency of government fees, export certification and the resolution of commercial disputes.
The state is also promoting measures such as concessionary land arrangements, long term industrial leases, public private partnership opportunities, faster construction permits and property registration, as well as a one stop investment promotion centre.
Focus on Investment and Economic Partnerships
The wider conference programme focuses on sectors considered important to Nigeria’s economic transformation, including technology, fintech, agriculture, mining, renewable energy, healthcare, real estate and infrastructure.
The Federal Government is also seeking to connect diaspora investors with viable projects while improving the environment for international capital and strengthening economic relations between Nigeria and Canada.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole said the government was seeking long term investments in manufacturing, agro processing, technology, logistics, energy, healthcare, infrastructure and export oriented businesses.
The minister said Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product grew by 3.89 percent in the first quarter of 2026, while manufacturing expanded by 3.29 percent. Capital importation also reached $10.37 billion, representing an increase of more than 83 percent year on year, according to figures presented at the conference.
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State also used the platform to highlight investment opportunities in lithium and other mineral resources, while governors and representatives from other states are expected to showcase projects requiring international capital.
The conference is expected to produce business partnerships, investment commitments and other practical outcomes aimed at turning diaspora resources into productive investments and strengthening Nigeria’s economic relationship with Canada.
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