Tinubu Tells Nigerians Abroad: Remittances Are Not Enough, Invest in Nigeria
President Bola Tinubu says remittances remain important but Nigerians abroad should move beyond consumption and invest in productive ventures that can create jobs, expand businesses and strengthen Nigeria's economy.
Inside This Story
Nigeria wants diaspora engagement to go beyond money sent home for immediate needs and increasingly include investment, expertise, mentorship and access to international markets.
Tinubu's Message to Nigerians in the Diaspora
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians living abroad to move beyond sending money home for consumption and increase their investments in productive ventures in Nigeria.
Tinubu made the call at the Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference 2026 in Canada, where he was represented by the Group Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The conference, themed "Invest Nigeria, Thrive Abroad," is focused on strengthening economic and investment connections between Nigerians abroad and opportunities in Nigeria. The programme includes investment, capital markets, policy, trade and business-to-business engagement.
The President acknowledged the important role remittances play in supporting Nigerian families, including spending on education, medical expenses, housing and small businesses.
However, his message was that remittances should also become a foundation for broader economic participation.
"Remittances must become the floor of diaspora engagement, not its ceiling."
Quotation supplied in the source material. Her Voice News recommends verification against the official conference or Presidency transcript before treating the full quotation as independently verified.Tinubu Calls for Productive Investment
The President urged Nigerians in the diaspora to consider productive investments rather than focusing mainly on acquiring property.
"Do not merely acquire property in Nigeria; acquire productive stakes in Nigeria."
Quotation reproduced from the supplied source material.The broader investment message is consistent with the direction announced by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission ahead of the conference. NiDCOM has said it wants to shift the emphasis from remittances for consumption towards investment that can support jobs and sustainable economic growth.
The conference programme also identifies areas including capital markets, fintech, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, renewable energy, mining, creative industries and other sectors as part of the investment discussions.
Why Diaspora Investment Matters
Investment can potentially bring more than capital. It can also connect Nigerian businesses with expertise, technology, professional networks and international markets.
Calls for Mentorship and Global Connections
Tinubu also encouraged Nigerians living abroad to establish investment clubs, support and mentor young entrepreneurs and help Nigerian businesses gain access to international markets.
The message broadens the definition of diaspora contribution. Instead of measuring engagement only by the amount of money sent home, the emphasis is also on the capabilities, relationships and opportunities Nigerians abroad can help create.
"The question should not only be, 'How much did I send?' It should also be, 'What capability did I help Nigeria build?'"
Quotation reproduced from the supplied source material.The President further said the Federal Government would continue working to improve regulations, transparency and the investment environment to attract more diaspora capital into Nigeria.
Tinubu Seeks Measurable Commitments
Tinubu called on conference participants to ensure that the event produces practical outcomes rather than ending with speeches and declarations.
"Let this conference not be measured only by speeches, applause or a final communique. Let it be measured by commitments."
Quotation reproduced from the supplied source material.The conference itself is structured around investment forums, policy discussions, sector sessions, deal rooms, matchmaking and business connections. The programme therefore places considerable emphasis on moving from discussion towards practical partnerships.
From Remittances to Economic Participation
The policy direction being promoted is not to diminish the importance of remittances. It is to expand the role of Nigerians abroad from financial support to investment, expertise, mentorship and international market connections.
What the Message Means for Nigerians in the Diaspora
Nigeria's diaspora community remains an important source of financial resources, professional expertise and international connections.
NiDCOM said ahead of the conference that Nigerians abroad contribute more than $20 billion annually through remittances, while stressing the need to direct more of those resources towards productive investment. That figure has also been reported by Nigerian media in coverage of the conference.
The challenge is therefore not simply how much money enters Nigeria, but how effectively investment opportunities, financial systems and business partnerships can convert diaspora interest into sustainable economic activity.
Her Voice News Takeaway
Remittances remain important to millions of Nigerian families. But the growing policy conversation is about what else diaspora Nigerians can contribute to Nigeria's economic future.
Capital, skills, mentorship, technology and international networks can all play a role in expanding economic opportunities.
The bigger question is how Nigeria can turn diaspora goodwill and financial support into lasting productive participation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference 2026?
The Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference 2026 is a diaspora investment and economic conference taking place in the Toronto and Mississauga area of Canada, focused on investment, policy, trade, capital markets and economic partnerships.
What is the theme of the conference?
The conference theme is "Invest Nigeria, Thrive Abroad."
Why does Nigeria want more diaspora investment?
Diaspora investment can potentially provide capital as well as expertise, business networks, technology and access to international markets.
Are remittances still important to Nigeria?
Yes. Remittances continue to provide financial support to Nigerian households and contribute significantly to foreign exchange inflows. The current policy discussion is about complementing remittances with more productive investment.
Sources & Further Reading
Background and conference information were checked against reporting on the Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference 2026 and available conference programme information.
Key sources checked include the Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference programme, Voice of Nigeria, Tribune, THISDAY and other Nigerian reporting on NiDCOM's diaspora investment agenda.
Her Voice News distinguishes between independently verified information and statements supplied for publication.
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