By Kachi Okezie
The 8th Nigerian Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS 2025) is being positioned as a transformative force, ready to inject momentum into Nigeria’s economic growth by strategically harnessing the wealth and expertise of its global diaspora. Set to hold from November 11–13, 2025, at the State House in Abuja, the summit, convened by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI), is operating under the compelling theme, “Fast Tracking Regional & National Development by Mobilising Diaspora Investment.”
This hybrid event is designed to be a crucial convergence point for diaspora Nigerians – investors, business leaders, and policymakers – offering keynote addresses, investment pitches, exhibitions, and targeted networking sessions aimed at connecting the Nigerian global community with viable opportunities across vital economic sectors.
The event’s prestige is underscored by the presence of the Special Guest of Honour, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Chief Host, Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa (OON), Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM.
According to the NDCOM boss, Honourable Dabiri-Erewa, “The Nigerian Diaspora Investment Summit continues to be a catalyst for change, connecting our diaspora to tangible investment prospects and sustainable partnerships that drive economic growth, create jobs, and inspire national development.”
Further emphasising the summit’s commitment to real economic impact, the keynote address will be delivered by Professor (Dr) Bartholomew Nnaji, former Minister of Power and current Chairman of Geometric Power Limited, while Mr. Temi Popoola, Group Managing Director/CEO of the Nigerian Exchange Group, will share insights on innovative investment frameworks.
The commitment from key financial institutions is substantial, with Zenith Bank Plc as the lead event partner, alongside Rainbow Heritage Group (RHG), AG Mortgage Bank Plc, and First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FBN Group).
Group Managing Director/Chief Executive officer of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, said: “Our sponsorship of NDIS 2025 underscores our unwavering commitment to the Nigerian diaspora as key partners in national development. We recognize their immense contributions to investment, innovation, and remittances, and we are proud to support a platform that fosters deeper economic and developmental ties with home.”
Managing Director/CEO, First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FBN Group) Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, stated: “FBN has played significant roles in the development of Nigeria and in ensuring that MSMEs received needed support to grow their businesses. As the foremost financial institution in Nigeria, First Bank remained the trailblazer in providing the diaspora with viable options for wealth creation by leveraging the First Bank strategic partnership with over seventeen (17) leading money transfer operators around the world as well as through our own home-grown remittance platform – First Global Transfer (FGT).FBN will continue to support NDIS and investment in various strategic partnerships aimed at improving the economic development of Nigeria.”
In a statement, Rainbow Heritage Group (RHG), said: “Through this partnership with the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), RHG is reaching out to Nigerians in diaspora to showcase our commitment to delivering developments that meet and surpass global lifestyle expectations. Our flagship project, The New Port City, is a purpose-driven, sustainable city designed to be smart, functional, and future-ready and a true centre of excellence where everything works.”
On his part, the Managing Director/CEO, AG Mortgage Bank Plc, Mr. Ngozi Onyemuwa Anyogu, said: “At AGMB, we recognise the invaluable contributions of the over 17 million Nigerians in diaspora and contributing to both the local economy and globally, remitting over 20 billion dollars in one year… What is most important now is how to make the remittances positively impact the local economy, which is where AGMB Plc comes in, with its dedication to and experience in delivering financial solutions that meet the unique needs of diaspora Nigerians, such as buying homes or investing in their communities.”
Building on the success of the 2024 edition, which secured approximately N673 million in investment commitments for home-based small businesses and channelled N500 million into local service providers, NDIS 2025 is committed to highlighting new frameworks and incentives that make Nigeria an increasingly attractive destination for both diaspora and foreign investment.
Speaking on the impact of NDIS on the local economy, the summit Coordinator, Dr Badewa Adejugbe-Williams said that “About N673m worth of investment commitments to home-based small businesses was secured from diaspora-based Nigerians at NDIS2024 alone, with a further N500m going directly into local businesses including videographers, media, event curators, printers, performing artistes, hotels and catering firms, who supply it with goods and services.”
“As a multimedia outfit, we’ve leveraged NDIS to successfully expand our network, secure investor support, grow our team, and drive significant revenue growth,” says Joshua Samuel, Creative Director, Artestify Multimedia, an Abuja-based firm that has been positively impacted by NDIS.
Also impacted is Sarah Amana, Founder/CEO, Rich Aunty Finance: “NDIS was a pivotal launching pad for my brand, offering me exposure to a wealth of knowledge, networks, and experiences that became instrumental in shaping my entrepreneurial journey. It equipped me with the tools and insights I needed to seize the opportunities that came my way, allowing me to scale my business and build it into a strong, resilient company. The foundation I gained through NDIS not only accelerated my growth but also provided me with the confidence and clarity to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship with success. Today, as I unveil my innovative $250,000 Savings and Investment App, I remember how pitching at NDIS gave me the confidence to take on new possibilities.”
Through its platform, which promotes collaboration in sectors like agriculture, technology, real estate, and healthcare, the summit continues to serve as a credible bridge, inviting over fifty small businesses and enterprises to showcase Nigeria’s economic promise.
