By Remilekun Oyelowo
In a commitment to revitalizing the economy, the Nigerian government has called on entrepreneurs in the diaspora to leverage their skills and resources at the 7th Nigerian Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), assuring them of significant support in their ventures.
The summit, which serves as a vital platform for fostering investments, is aimed at harnessing the vast potential of the Nigerian diaspora to contribute to the nation’s growth.
Representing President Bola Tinubu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, addressed participants, emphasizing the government’s readiness to assist in transforming innovative ideas into reality.
“Nigeria is open for business; we are committed to providing the support and enabling environment you need to invest with confidence,” Sen. Akume stated. His message was clear: the administration is eager to forge partnerships that will lead to progress and prosperity within the nation.
The summit spotlighted key sectors such as Finance, ICT, Agribusiness, Healthcare, Real Estate, Manufacturing, and Energy, all of which are undergoing reforms designed to attract foreign investment.
“This government is committed to creating an enabling environment that fosters growth and innovation in these critical areas,” Sen. Akume added, noting the vast opportunities available for investors.
Highlighting the essential role of the diaspora, Sen. Akume urged attendees to engage actively in the reforms aimed at transforming Nigeria’s economy. “We know that the government cannot achieve this vision alone.
The diaspora are our invaluable partners in this journey toward national prosperity,” he remarked, underlining the necessity of their involvement in realizing the government’s economic aspirations.
Ambassador Rabiu Dagari, the Director General of the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa (DTCA), echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of the diaspora in navigating Nigeria’s economic landscape. “Our nation stands at a pivotal juncture, where both stability and sustainable growth are imperative.
The Nigerian diaspora, one of the country’s greatest assets, plays a central role in shaping this future,” he stated, calling for a global economic shift in which the diaspora must see themselves as crucial partners in this transformation.
Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), also at the summit, highlighted the achievements of previous editions.
“The seventh edition represents an unwavering commitment to the nation’s progress,” she said. Dr. Dabiri-Erewa noted that collaboration between the diaspora, local business owners, and government leaders has led to an influx of investments into local businesses and significant development, empowering small and medium enterprises.
The success of past summits has demonstrated the strong spirit of patriotism among the Nigerian diaspora, which Dr. Dabiri-Erewa characterized as “an indispensable ally in the quest for national development.” Her remarks resonated well with attendees, reinforcing the idea that the diaspora’s contributions are crucial for the country’s growth and resilience.
This three-day summit is not just a gathering; it aims to provide an engaging and inspiring platform for entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and access resources essential for shaping a prosperous Nigeria. As the event comes to a close today, participants are encouraged to network, identify investment opportunities, and explore potential collaborations that could yield significant returns not only for themselves but for Nigeria as a whole.
With the government’s promise of support and the vibrant energy of the diaspora community, the 7th NDIS represents a hopeful chapter in Nigeria’s economic journey.
