The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has emphasized the significance of diaspora engagement in propelling Nigeria’s economic advancement.
Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the chairperson of NIDCOM, stressed the importance of attracting inward investment to Nigeria’s burgeoning diversified economy. She highlighted the need for platforms that facilitate interactions between diaspora investors, potential sponsors, business partners, and the government to be pivotal in fostering an effective and sustainable economic strategy.
“To go far in repositioning the economy, there is a need to partner with the diaspora and other investors.
“This is why the summit with this year’s theme being ‘New Vistas, New Aspirations, New Opportunities: The Diaspora and National Development’ is very appropriate because it creates innovative platforms of partnerships between the government and the diaspora in attracting investment to local businesses, thus enhancing Foreign Direct Investment in the country.
“…Also, facilitating economic transformation through research and the local development of new energy solutions, which is expected to boost cross-sectoral investment cooperation,” Dabiri Erewa said.
She explained that the summit has yielded numerous success stories in terms of business connections and social impact since its inception.
“With over 5,000 participants recorded, 900 business links established and over 200 deals closed, NDIS has come into its own as the leading business networking event for connecting Nigerian business owners and NGO operators with Nigerian diaspora-based investors.
“It has also provided a platform for the expectations of attracting diaspora investment to local businesses in diaspora community to give back by providing support for several deserving NGOs,” she added.
The Ambassador of Ireland to Nigeria, His Excellency Mr. Peter Ryan, expressed readiness to support and promote Nigerian talents and investment.
“It’s a really inspirational morning. Any time the diasporans come to gather to connect with one another, I think it is worthwhile and really an interesting time for Nigerians in diaspora.
“I am very impressed with what I have seen and impressed with what I have heard, not surprised at all. I learnt from Nigerians in diaspora in Ireland that there are so many talented and motivated people ready to work with partners at home and also with partners around the world.
“Anything we can do to support and encourage that, and we know from our own diaspora the important role that they can play as a partner in national initiatives, and I’m delighted to be part of this, this morning.
“I’ve learned a lot already. I have learned also about pitching and about some of the sectoral and entrepreneurship taking place in Nigeria,” he said.
The summit’s coordinator and chairman of the planning committee, Dr. Badewa Adejugbe Williams, described the summit as a catalyst for empowerment and capital development.
“And beyond coming, they’ve got other investors that are looking at the pitches already so they could see what they are going to invest in.
“They also mentor some of the pitchers. It’s not just about giving them the money; it’s about giving them technical capacity so they can mentor them.
“This is not about building government practices; this is about human capital development, building humanity, empowering the micro, small and medium enterprises: the woman who is selling bournvita or something in the store, that just needs a little lift, the person who has a tech company that is a start-up and needs just a few to get himself off the ground.
“We’ve recorded tremendous successes that I can guarantee you that today, there’ll also be lots of successes that will be recorded. So, it’s been fantastic; it’s been rewarding,” said the NDIS summit coordinator.
The Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit aims to bolster the Nigerian economy through diaspora investment and partnerships. Over the years, it has expanded its participants’ network, showcasing products and services to target audiences such as diaspora investors, sponsors, and government actors.
The opening of the two-day summit featured a crowd-funding workshop and business pitching from various investors both domestically and internationally.
