Nigerians in diaspora gather in Abuja for conference and awards

The sixth annual National Diaspora Day and the third National Diaspora Merit Awards will convene as a hybrid conference on 25–26 July 2025. Hosted by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the event expects over 1,200 in‑person delegates alongside thousands of virtual participants from around the world. Attendees include government officials, diaspora professionals, investors and youth representatives, all focused on harnessing the expertise, capital and networks of Nigerians abroad for the nation’s development.

NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Dr Abike Dabiri‑Erewa, will deliver the keynote address and formally launch the new Diaspora Housing Platform. This initiative is designed to link Nigerians overseas with safe, reliable and affordable housing opportunities back home.

“In 2024 alone, Nigerians in the diaspora sent home over $20 billion, more than the country’s foreign direct investment,” Dabiri-Erewa said.

“But beyond the numbers is a wealth of knowledge, skills, and global exposure that we must now channel into nation-building.”

She said this year’s theme, “Optimising Formidable Diaspora Potentials for National Development and Growth,” reflects the need for action, not just talk, in harnessing diaspora contributions.

By shifting the narrative beyond remittances, the platform aims to channel diaspora resources into sustainable infrastructure and home‑ownership projects that benefit families at home and strengthen local economies.

The 2-day event features plenary sessions, investment fora and strategic networking rounds aimed at deepening practical engagement with the diaspora community for a more structured collaboration for national progress. A dedicated Youth Empowerment Summit on STEM will feature students from 14 Abuja schools, emphasizing science, technology, engineering and mathematics as engines of future growth. Over 500 young Nigerians will participate in workshops designed to spark innovation and foster mentorship links between diaspora professionals and local talents.

On the evening of 26 July, the National Diaspora Merit Awards will honour outstanding Nigerians whose global impact has advanced Nigeria’s reputation and development. Previous laureates have spanned sectors from health and education to business and the arts. With over US $20 billion remitted in 2024 alone, surpassing foreign direct investment, the spotlight now shifts to leveraging this financial inflow alongside intellectual and social capital for sustainable change.

As the government and its diaspora partners converge in Abuja, the message is clear: celebration must translate into structured collaboration. With initiatives like state Diaspora Focal Point Officers, the National Diaspora Policy, and this year’s housing platform launch, Nigeria is embedding diaspora engagement into its development blueprint—ensuring that its global citizens are not only celebrated but also empowered as co‑architects of the nation’s future.

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PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
• Plenary Sessions & Investment Fora – In‑depth policy dialogues on diaspora engagement in health, education, agriculture and technology.
• Youth Empowerment Summit – STEM workshops featuring students from 14 Abuja secondary schools, with mentorship from diaspora professionals.
• Strategic Networking Roundtables – Pairings of diaspora business leaders with domestic entrepreneurs to catalyze joint ventures and innovation.

NATIONAL DIASPORA MERIT AWARDS
On the evening of 26 July, the National Diaspora Merit Awards will honour outstanding Nigerians whose global achievements have elevated the country’s reputation and driven social impact. This year’s awards will also highlight individuals who have transformed financial inflow into sustainable development projects.

REGISTRATION
Physical and virtual attendance is open to all. To register, visit www.nidcom.gov.ng/diasporaday