The Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called on Nigerians both at home and abroad to invest in the country’s economy, describing diaspora participation as vital to Ondo State’s growth.
Speaking at the Ondo State Investment Summit 2026, Dabiri-Erewa said Nigerians living overseas should see their homeland not just as a place of origin, but as a fertile ground for business and industrial development.
“Investing in Nigeria is more than patriotism; it is an economic necessity,” she said, adding that government policies and frameworks are now favourable to both local and foreign investors.
She urged stakeholders to channel diaspora funds into productive sectors, warning that remittances must go beyond consumption to support industries, create jobs, and strengthen the economy.
The summit also showcased Ondo State’s renewed focus on industrialization and global partnerships. Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa unveiled key agreements, including the development of a Deep Sea Port under a public-private partnership, with the state holding a 12.5% stake, and a $4 billion petrochemical fertiliser plant in the southern senatorial district.
Governor Aiyedatiwa described the projects as steps toward shifting the state from a consumption-driven economy to a production-oriented model supported by private sector leadership and stable policies. “Investors go where there is certainty, structure, and political will, Ondo offers all three,” he said.
The governor highlighted Ondo’s advantages, including a long Atlantic coastline, rich mineral deposits, fertile agricultural land, and a strategic location linking neighbouring states. He said the planned Deep Sea Port and the Sunshine Industrial City Free Trade Zone will provide a hub for manufacturing, logistics, maritime services, and export-oriented businesses.
Represented by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Senate President Godswill Akpabio encouraged the governor to stay focused and assured that lasting achievements would cement his legacy.
Economic experts and industry leaders at the summit emphasized the importance of deliberate investments, consistent policies, and reinvesting capital locally to ensure sustainable development.
Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; First Lady, Mrs. Esther Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa; members of the State Executive Council; traditional rulers; security chiefs; and private sector representatives.
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