President Bola Tinubu has approved a high-powered Federal Government delegation, led by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to attend the maiden Nigeria Diaspora Investment Economic Conference (NIDEC) in Toronto, Canada, from 12 to 15 August 2026.
The conference, themed “Invest Nigeria, Thrive Abroad,” will bring together government officials, business leaders, investors and members of the Nigerian diaspora to promote investment and strengthen economic ties between Nigeria and Canada.
According to a statement issued by the Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the commission’s Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the high-level participation reflected Tinubu’s commitment to expanding trade and investment between both countries.
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She described NIDEC as a results-oriented platform designed to strengthen bilateral economic relations and create new opportunities for business and development.
Members of the Federal Government delegation include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; and Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Governors expected at the conference are Prof Charles Soludo of Anambra, Prof Babagana Zulum of Borno, Senator Uba Sani of Kaduna, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara.
Other delegates include Senator Ita Enang; the Nigerian Ambassador to Germany; representatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Revenue Service and Central Bank of Nigeria; NIPC Executive Secretary, Aisha Rimi; NEPC Executive Director, Nonye Ayeni; and NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi.
Canadian officials expected at the event include President of the Treasury Board, Shafqat Ali; Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Graham McGregor; Ontario Member of Provincial Parliament for Mississauga–Malton, Deepak Anand; Brampton Mayor, Patrick Brown; Brampton City Councillor, Rod Power; and Ontario Minister of Women and Economic Opportunities, Charmaine Williams.
NIDEC is being organised by NiDCOM in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa, the Canadian High Commission in Abuja and other stakeholders.
The conference is expected to connect international investors with investment-ready opportunities in key sectors of the Nigerian economy, while promoting diaspora investment and deeper economic cooperation between Nigeria and Canada.
