By King Wale Adesanya, National Chairman of the Nigerian and Canadian Business Network
Register NOW at https://tinyurl.com/nidec-canada
TORONTO, CANADA — The stage is set for a landmark gathering as the Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NIDEC) prepares to convene from August 12 to 15 in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Taking place across two premier venues—the historic Arcadian Court in downtown Toronto and the spacious Apollo Convention Centre in Mississauga—the multi-day summit marks a pivotal evolution in how Nigeria engages its global diaspora community.
Presidential Mandate & High-Level Delegation
In a major boost to the conference’s scope and authority, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, announced that an official letter from the Presidency has confirmed the participation of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The President has accepted the invitation to officially open the conference and deliver the keynote address, signaling the administration’s commitment to prioritizing diaspora investments within the national economic framework.
Heading the high-powered Presidential delegation on the ground will be Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila , Chief of Staff to the President.
The delegation brings together key cabinet members, state governors, economic drivers, and agency heads:
Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu — Hon. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole — Hon. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment
Hon. Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo — Hon. Minister of Interior
Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim — Hon. Minister of Women Affairs & Social Development
Gov. Babagana Zulum — Executive Governor of Borno State
Gov. Hope Uzodinma — Executive Governor of Imo State
Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR — Executive Governor of Anambra State
H. E. Barr. Caleb Mutfwang — Executive Governor of Plateau State
Hon. Uba Sani — Executive Governor of Kaduna State
Dr. Zacch Adedeji — Executive Chairman, Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS / FIRS)
Aisha Rimi — Executive Secretary / CEO, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC)
Mrs. Nonye Ayeni — Executive Director / CEO, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC)
Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi — Director-General / CEO, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)
Mr. Charles Odii — Director General / CEO, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN)
Dr. Olayiwola Awaka — Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA)
Temi Popoola — GMD / CEO, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX)
“Nigeria is open for business, and our diaspora community is the key bridge. NIDEC is designed to move beyond traditional dialogue and drive actionable, structured investments into critical sectors back home.” — Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, NiDCOM
On-Site Passport Intervention for Attendees
Addressing a critical logistical need for Nigerians abroad, the NiDCOM Chairman confirmed that approval has been granted by the Controller General of Immigration to conduct a dedicated Passport Intervention Service during NIDEC.
Delegates and attendees in the Greater Toronto Area will be able to access passport renewal, capture, and processing services directly at the conference venue, streamlining administrative hurdles while participating in the summit’s core activities.
Dual Venues: Connecting Downtown Toronto & GTA
To accommodate both high-level executive sessions and large-scale delegate assemblies, NIDEC will span two notable venues across the GTA:
Venue Focus & Activities Location
Arcadian Court
Executive Plenaries, Bilateral Signings, Strategic Roundtables
401 Bay Street, Downtown Toronto
Apollo Convention Centre
Investment Expos, B2B Matchmaking, Passport Intervention Hub
Mississauga (GTA)
Key Sectors & Economic Objectives
NIDEC aims to transition diaspora financial flows from consumption-based remittances into productive, long-term investments. With the diaspora sending over $20 billion annually back to Nigeria, the conference provides a structured platform to channel capital into high-impact growth sectors:
Fintech, ICT, & Digital Innovation (supported by NITDA)
Agriculture & Agro-Processing (supported by NEPC & SMEDAN)
Mining, Renewable Energy, & Infrastructure (supported by NIPC)
Tourism, Healthcare & Culture (supported by NTDA)
Real Estate & Public Infrastructure
Banking, Capital Markets, & Asset Management (supported by NGX)
Through direct business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking, pitch sessions for state-backed projects, and the signing of strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), NIDEC is slated to serve as a practical marketplace for job creation, technology transfer, and national development.
Register NOW at https://tinyurl.com/nidec-canada
