Financial and policy experts have urged greater involvement of Nigerians in the diaspora in driving the country’s economic growth, pointing to opportunities in investment, tax reforms, and emerging sectors.
The call was made during the Fidelity Diaspora Summit 2026, hosted virtually by Fidelity Bank Plc, which brought together Nigerians abroad to discuss evolving policies and investment prospects.
Speaking at the event, the bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said the summit aimed to equip diaspora Nigerians with insights into the country’s changing policy landscape and available investment opportunities. “Our theme today is navigating the new tax policy and unlocking investment opportunities in Nigeria,” Onyeali-Ikpe said.
“This subject is timely, practical, and matters to every Nigerian in the diaspora who earns, saves, owns assets or invests back home.” She described Nigerians living abroad as vital contributors to the country’s economic potential and global image.
“You do much more than remit funds; you carry our reputation, our enterprise and our potential into boardrooms, hospitals, laboratories and technology hubs around the world,” she added.
In her keynote address, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, emphasised the strategic role diaspora communities play in national development through investment, knowledge transfer, and international exposure. She also commended Fidelity Bank for fostering engagement between Nigerians abroad and opportunities within the domestic economy.
Economic analyst Bismarck Rewane provided an outlook on Nigeria’s economic trajectory for 2026, highlighting areas of potential growth for investors.
Also speaking, Chijioke Uwaegbute of PwC outlined the implications of Nigeria’s new tax framework for diaspora citizens, particularly those with assets and financial interests in the country.
Meanwhile, Ndubuisi Ekekwe, Chairman of Tekedia Capital, advised diaspora investors to prioritise due diligence and partner with credible local institutions when investing in Nigeria.
Technology investor Ike Eze also shared insights into Africa’s tech ecosystem, offering practical guidance on identifying viable opportunities in Nigeria’s growing innovation landscape.
In his closing remarks, Stanley Amuchie, Executive Director and Chief Operations and Information Officer of Fidelity Bank, encouraged participants to act on the knowledge gained.
Amuchie urged attendees to “turn today’s insights into action, ask the hard questions, seek clarity, do your due diligence and choose partners that understand both your global context and the local terrain”. The summit reinforced the growing importance of diaspora engagement as Nigeria seeks to attract investment and strengthen its economic outlook.
