By Jija-Bokoti Media
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians living abroad to move beyond sending money home for consumption and channel more of their resources, expertise and global connections into productive investments that can strengthen Nigeria’s economy.
The President made the call at the Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference 2026 in Toronto, Canada, where he was represented by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Tinubu acknowledged the important role Nigerians in the diaspora play through remittances, noting that funds sent home support millions of families with expenses including education, healthcare, housing and small businesses.
However, he stressed that diaspora remittances should increasingly contribute to production, enterprise development and long-term national growth.
“Remittances must become the floor of diaspora engagement, not its ceiling. Remittances sustain consumption. Investment expands production. Expertise builds institutions. Networks open markets. Nigeria now needs all four,” the President said.
‘Do Not Merely Acquire Property; Acquire Productive Stakes’
Tinubu encouraged Nigerians abroad to reconsider the way they invest in Nigeria, urging them to move beyond property acquisition and take meaningful stakes in productive businesses and enterprises.
“Do not merely acquire property in Nigeria; acquire productive stakes in Nigeria,” he urged.
The President identified various sectors of the Nigerian economy as potential areas for diaspora investment and encouraged Nigerians abroad to leverage Nigeria’s access to the wider African market through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
According to Tinubu, the Federal Government’s appeal to Nigerians in the diaspora is not based on sentiment or charity, but on the economic opportunities available within the country.
“President Tinubu is not asking you to invest out of nostalgia, guilt or charity. He is inviting you to invest based on opportunity, shared strategic interest, and disciplined patriotism.”
Diaspora Expertise and Global Networks
Beyond financial investment, the President called on Nigerians abroad to contribute their knowledge, expertise and international connections to Nigeria’s development.
He encouraged members of the diaspora to establish investment clubs, mentor young entrepreneurs, support research partnerships and connect Nigerian businesses with international markets.
Tinubu argued that the success of diaspora engagement should not be measured solely by the amount of money sent back to Nigeria, but also by the productive capacity and opportunities created through diaspora participation.
“The question should not only be, ‘How much did I send?’ It should also be, ‘What capability did I help Nigeria build?’”
Government Promises Improved Investment Environment
The President assured potential diaspora investors that his administration would continue working to improve regulations, strengthen investment transparency and create a more attractive environment for diaspora capital.
He urged participants at the conference to translate discussions into concrete economic actions.
According to him, the success of the initiative should ultimately be measured by the enterprises funded, institutions strengthened, young Nigerians mentored, export opportunities created, research partnerships established and communities transformed.
A New Phase of Diaspora Engagement
The President’s message represents a call for a broader approach to diaspora participation in Nigeria’s economic development—one that goes beyond remittances to include investment, innovation, knowledge transfer, entrepreneurship and international market access.
For millions of Nigerians living abroad, the administration is encouraging a shift from simply supporting families at home to becoming active participants in building businesses, creating jobs and expanding Nigeria’s productive capacity.
The message is clear: remittances remain important, but diaspora investment and expertise can play an even greater role in shaping Nigeria’s economic future.
Jija-Bokoti Media
International News and Magazine
Reporting for Development, Unity and Responsible Leadership.
