Tinubu Dispatches Gbajabiamila, Ministers, Five Governors to Canada for Landmark Diaspora Investment Summit
By Pan Afric Reporters
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a high-powered Federal Government delegation, led by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, to participate in the maiden Nigeria Diaspora Investment Economic Conference (NIDEC) 2026 in Toronto, Canada, as part of efforts to deepen trade, investment and economic cooperation between Nigeria and Canada.
The conference, themed “Invest Nigeria, Thrive Abroad,” will hold from August 12 to 15, 2026, bringing together top government officials, investors, policymakers, diplomats and business leaders from both countries to explore investment opportunities and strengthen bilateral economic ties.
The announcement was contained in a press statement issued by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit.
According to the statement, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said President Tinubu’s decision to send a high-level delegation demonstrates the administration’s unwavering commitment to leveraging the Nigerian diaspora as a catalyst for national economic growth and international partnerships.
“The high-level Government delegation to the Conference showcases the President’s commitment to promoting trade, investment and economic cooperation between Nigeria and Canada,” Dabiri-Erewa stated.
She explained that the conference is designed to serve not only as a high-level, outcome-driven investment platform but also as a shared commitment by both nations to strengthen bilateral economic relations through strategic partnerships.
Leading the Nigerian delegation will be Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; and Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Also expected at the conference are the governors of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo; Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum; Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani; Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang; and Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal.
Other members of the delegation include Senator Ita Enang, Nigerian Ambassador to Germany; representatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Revenue Service, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
The Canadian side is expected to feature prominent political and business leaders, including President of the Treasury Board of Canada, Hon. Shafqat Ali; Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Hon. Graham McGregor; Ontario Member of Provincial Parliament, Hon. Deepak Anand; Mayor of Brampton, Patrick Brown; Councillor Rod Power; and Ontario Minister of Women and Economic Opportunities, Hon. Charmaine Williams, among other dignitaries.
Dabiri-Erewa said the conference is being organised by NiDCOM in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa, the Canadian High Commission in Abuja, and other local and international stakeholders.
She noted that the event will provide a strategic platform for connecting global investors with Nigeria’s investment-ready opportunities across key sectors of the economy.
“The Investment Conference serves as a definitive bridge connecting global leaders to investment-ready opportunities back home, with focus on high-impact sectors that are the engines of Nigeria’s future growth and development,” she said.
The conference is expected to showcase Nigeria’s economic potential while encouraging diaspora participation in national development through increased investment, innovation and cross-border partnerships.
