The Chairman/CEO, NiDCOM, Hon. (Dr) Abike Dabiri-Erewa has officially announced that the Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NIDEC) 2026 will hold from August 13 to 15, 2026, at the Apollo Convention Center, Toronto (Mississauga), Canada.
According to a statement issued by Violet Nwosu, Assistant Director, Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit ,Nigerians in Diaspora Commission NiDCOM, the Chairman CEO disclosed this at a press conference in Abuja
Describing the event as a landmark in diaspora engagement, Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the strategic importance of transitioning from remittances for consumption to remittances for sustainable investment.
She noted that Nigerians abroad contribute over $20 billion annually to the national economy and NIDEC 2026 is designed to channel these resources and expertise into practical nation-building initiatives.
“Beyond the significant financial contributions, our diaspora community brings skills, knowledge, and global exposure that are vital to Nigeria’s growth. NIDEC 2026 will connect these professionals directly with investment-ready opportunities back home,” she said.
The Coference which has as its theme: “Invest Nigeria, Thrive Abroad,” will serve as a structured platform for diaspora professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs to explore high-impact sectors essential for Nigeria’s economic transformation, including:
Fintech, ICT and Digital Innovation • Food, Agriculture and Agro-Processing • Mining, Renewable Energy and Infrastructure • Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals • Real Estate and Public Infrastructure • Banking, Capital Market and Asset Management.
The NIDCOM Boss emphasized that the conference is designed to deliver measurable outcomes through B2B matchmaking, direct partnerships, and the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to facilitate job creation, technology transfer, and sustainable development.
The event is being organised in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa and the Canadian High Commission in Abuja, ensuring a seamless experience for delegates. It will also coincide with a week-long celebration of Nigerian excellence, including the Flavours of Nigeria Festival and a historic staging of the HEADIES Honors , a celebration of Afrobeats legends which will hold in Canada for the first time.
The NIDCOM Chairman, therefore called on Nigerian entrepreneurs, State Governments with bankable projects, financial institutions, and diaspora professionals worldwide to actively participate. She noted that the platform will enable stakeholders to shape policy, secure capital, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
To support participation, arrangements are underway with the Canadian Government to introduce a specialised Event Code (RRRC) process for streamlined visa facilitation, and a dedicated registration portal for delegates will be launched shortly.
“Nigeria is open for business. Our diaspora is the key. And Toronto 2026 is where the future begins,” Dabiri-Erewa concluded.
Amb Abba Zanna-Kawu, the Acting Nigeria High Commissioner to Canada in his statement said that plans are underway to make the event memorable and impactful.
NIDEC 2026 is expected to host government officials, investors, entrepreneurs, financial institutions, development partners, and diaspora professionals from across the globe, solidifying Nigeria’s commitment to deepening diaspora investment and engagement.
