It was an atmosphere rich with promise, partnership and patriotism as the 12th edition of the Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment Summit, 2025.
The summit held at the Copthorne Tara Hotel in Kensington, London, United Kingdom, brought together top-tier government officials and entrepreneurs committed to transforming Nigeria’s economic narrative, starting from the Diaspora.
Founded in 2013 by Bimbo Afolayan, the summit has evolved into a strategic platform connecting Nigerians abroad with credible investment and mentoring opportunities back home, with support from the Office of the Vice President and agencies such as Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.
This year’s edition tagged, Nigerian Diaspora MSMEs and job creation Roadshow and Investment Summit, focused on job creation through MSMEs and sustainable partnerships.
In her keynote address, the Chairman of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, urged Nigerians abroad to invest, mentor, and transfer skills back home.
She said, “The Diaspora must be intentional. The NDDIS is doing something powerful, bringing Nigeria to the UK and then taking investors back to Nigeria. That’s the bridge. Yes, there are challenges, but we must ask ourselves what role we are playing to solve them. We must promote our country.”
Also speaking, Afolayan reiterated the general theme of bridging the gap between Nigerians and home and in the Diaspora.
A highlight of the event was the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Bauchi State and NDDIS.
Six strategic projects were unveiled, focusing on education, healthcare, agriculture, and economic empowerment. Katsina State, represented by Hajia Aisha Aminu Abdullahi, also hinted at an upcoming partnership.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Job Creation, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, and Aminu Hammayo, who represented Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.
