The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has unveiled plans for the 2026 edition of the Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NIDEC), scheduled to hold from August 13 to 15 in Toronto, Canada.
The disclosure was contained in a statement signed by Violet Nwosu, Assistant Director, Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit of the Commission, following a press briefing addressed by NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja.
Dabiri-Erewa described the conference as a strategic platform to redirect diaspora remittances from consumption toward sustainable investments that drive national development. She noted that Nigerians in the diaspora contribute over $20 billion annually to the country’s economy.
She explained that the conference, themed “Invest Nigeria, Thrive Abroad,” will connect diaspora professionals, investors and entrepreneurs with viable investment opportunities across key sectors, including fintech, ICT and digital innovation, agriculture and agro-processing, mining, renewable energy, healthcare, real estate, and financial services.
According to her, the event is designed to produce tangible outcomes through business-to-business engagements, partnerships and the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at job creation, technology transfer and economic growth.
NiDCOM is collaborating with the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa and the Canadian High Commission in Abuja to ensure seamless participation for delegates.
The conference will also feature a week-long celebration of Nigerian culture and excellence, including the Flavours of Nigeria Festival and the first-ever staging of the The Headies Honors in Canada.
Dabiri-Erewa called on Nigerian entrepreneurs, state governments, financial institutions and diaspora professionals to take advantage of the platform to secure investments, shape policies and contribute to national development.
She further disclosed that discussions are ongoing with the Canadian government to introduce a special event code to ease visa processing for participants, while a dedicated registration portal will be launched soon.
Also speaking, Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to Canada, Abba Zanna-Kawu, assured that arrangements are in place to make the conference impactful.
NIDEC 2026 is expected to attract government officials, investors, development partners and members of the Nigerian diaspora from across the world, reinforcing efforts to deepen diaspora engagement and investment in Nigeria.
