President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has challenged Nigerians living abroad to channel their wealth, expertise and global connections into Nigeria, urging them to help reverse the growing tendency to seek opportunities and invest outside the country.
Tinubu made the call on Friday at the 2026 Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NIDEC) in Toronto, Canada, where he was represented by his Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
The conference, themed “Thrive Abroad, Invest in Nigeria,” focused on strengthening the contribution of Nigerians in the diaspora to the country’s economic development.
Tinubu said the success of Nigerians abroad should not be separated from the economic progress of their home country, urging them to see Nigeria not only as a country to which they send remittances but also as a destination for businesses, job creation and long-term investment.
He said the conference theme captured two realities that should not be placed in opposition.
“Nigerians should thrive wherever they live. But our success abroad should also enlarge the possibilities of our country at home.”
The President said the prosperity of Nigerians abroad, if properly connected to the domestic economy, could become one of Nigeria’s most powerful engines of economic growth.
He also challenged Nigerians to reverse the prevailing trend whereby people living in Nigeria seek opportunities and move investments abroad.
According to him, remittances should no longer be the limit of diaspora engagement, stressing the need for Nigerians abroad to invest directly in productive sectors of the economy.
Tinubu further urged the diaspora to bring home not only capital but also skills, technology, international networks and expertise, which he said could help strengthen Nigeria’s productive capacity.
He said his administration was working to build “a productive, competitive and inclusive economy” where leaving Nigeria would become a choice rather than an escape.
The President identified economic growth, political stability and security as key considerations for investors when deciding where to commit their capital.
He also linked economic participation with political influence, arguing that greater economic power could give Nigerians in the diaspora a stronger voice in national conversations, including issues such as diaspora voting.
Tinubu said Nigeria must become a country that earns more foreign exchange from what it produces, grows and sells, rather than depending primarily on what it extracts.
He therefore called on Nigerians abroad to view investment in Nigeria as both an economic opportunity and a contribution to the country’s long-term development.
