For the first time, Nigeria brought its full economic weight to the heart of Canada's financial district. The inaugural Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NiDEC) 2026 ran from 12 to 15 August 2026 across Toronto, Mississauga and Brampton, drawing over 400 delegates.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR was represented by his Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who challenged Nigerians abroad to move beyond remittances and take equity in Nigeria's economic future.
He cited real GDP growth of 3.89% in Q1 2026, inflation declining to 15.9% and foreign reserves of USD 45.4 billion as evidence that reforms are yielding results. His message was direct: the conference must be measured by enterprises funded, institutions strengthened and youth mentored.
Elections are seasonal, but citizenship is permanent.
NIPC was represented by its Executive Secretary/CEO, Ms Aisha Rimi, who called for a decisive shift from remittance flows, already exceeding USD 20 billion annually, towards structured diaspora capital in Nigerian businesses, infrastructure and industry. She drew on the precedent of India, whose diaspora remitted USD 129 billion in 2024 alone, to argue that Nigeria's diaspora has both the scale and the motivation to build something equally consequential.
She noted that the Nigeria–Canada relationship remains under-realised, but that the signals of change are arriving, evidenced by the Dangote–Carney meeting and the signing of a direct flight agreement on 6 August 2026.
NIPC's objective in Toronto, she affirmed, was to translate goodwill into specific, trackable investment commitments.
The conference produced a series of significant institutional outcomes. Nigeria's capital markets confirmed a T+1 settlement cycle in line with North American standards. Air Canada announced its intention to launch non-stop flights to Lagos in 2027.
The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria presented its new Diaspora Mortgage Scheme, offering loans to diaspora contributors.
The Ministry of Interior confirmed a 24-hour automated E-Visa system and announced a forthcoming Trusted Business Visa for verified investors.
NIPC is committed to following up with all investor contacts identified at NiDEC 2026, ensuring that the conversations held in Toronto translate into real projects on the ground in Nigeria.
