President Bola Tinubu says remittances remain important but Nigerians abroad should move beyond consumption and invest in productive ventures that can create jobs, expand businesses and strengthen Nigeria’s economy.
By Wapcodehub9ja LIVE News Desk
TORONTO, CANADA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians living abroad to move beyond sending money home for consumption and increase their investments in productive ventures in Nigeria.
Tinubu made the call at the Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference 2026 in Toronto, where he was represented by the Group Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The President acknowledged the important role remittances play in supporting Nigerian families, particularly in areas such as education, medical expenses, housing and small businesses.
However, he said remittances should serve as a foundation for broader economic participation rather than remain the primary form of diaspora engagement.
“The nation owes you gratitude. But 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.”
Tinubu: Invest in Productive Ventures
The President urged Nigerians in the diaspora to prioritise productive investments rather than focusing mainly on acquiring property.
“Do not merely acquire property in Nigeria; acquire productive stakes in Nigeria.”
He encouraged diaspora investors to explore opportunities across different sectors and take advantage of Nigeria’s access to the wider African market through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
According to Tinubu, Nigerians abroad should make investment decisions based on economic opportunities and long-term national development rather than sentiment alone.
“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.”
Calls for Mentorship and Global Connections
Tinubu also urged Nigerians living abroad to establish investment clubs, support and mentor young entrepreneurs, and help Nigerian businesses gain access to international markets.
He said diaspora engagement should increasingly be measured by the capacity and opportunities created in Nigeria.
“The question should not only be, ‘How much did I send?’ It should also be, ‘What capability did I help Nigeria build?’”
The President further said the Federal Government would continue working to improve regulations, transparency and the investment environment to attract more diaspora capital into the country.
Tinubu Seeks Measurable Commitments
Tinubu called on participants at the conference to ensure that the event produces practical outcomes rather than ending with speeches and declarations.
“Let this conference not be measured only by speeches, applause or a final communique. Let it be measured by commitments: one enterprise funded; one institution strengthened; one young Nigerian mentored; one export route opened; one research partnership established; one community transformed.”
The President’s message underscores the Federal Government’s push to encourage Nigerians abroad to play a larger role in Nigeria’s economic development through investment, expertise, mentorship and international business networks.
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