Lawal Woos Diaspora Investment, Urges Nigerians Abroad to R...

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has urged Nigerians living in the diaspora to channel their expertise, resources and investments back home, saying the country’s improving economic stability presents fresh opportunities for business growth and national development.

Lawal made the appeal in Toronto, Canada, on the sidelines of the ongoing Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NiDEC), where he is leading Zamfara State’s delegation as part of the Federal Government team attending the maiden Canada-Africa Investment Summit.

Addressing members of the Nigerian diaspora ahead of the conference themed “Invest Nigeria, Thrive Abroad,” the governor said Nigerians have excelled globally in sectors such as medicine, engineering and information technology, stressing that the country must leverage this pool of talent to accelerate economic growth.

He encouraged Nigerians abroad to move beyond remittances by returning home with their skills, experience and capital to support the development of their communities and the nation’s economy. According to him, his experience in both the private and public sectors has given him a clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing investors in Nigeria.

Lawal said his administration is committed to positioning Zamfara as an attractive investment destination despite longstanding security concerns, highlighting ongoing reforms aimed at improving the business environment and expanding economic opportunities.

He assured prospective investors that the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu, remains committed to providing a secure and conducive environment for businesses to thrive and for investments to yield sustainable returns.

The governor said Zamfara is showcasing opportunities in agribusiness, strategic minerals development, human capital development and digital innovation at the conference, with the aim of attracting fresh investments, technical expertise and strategic partnerships.

He described the state’s participation in NiDEC as a strategic economic mission designed to attract investment, technology transfer, development financing and partnerships that will support Zamfara’s long-term economic transformation.

Lawal also referenced the recent unveiling of a $200 million lithium mining and processing plant in Zurmi Local Government Area, describing it as evidence of growing investor confidence in the state. The project is expected to generate at least 2,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference, jointly organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa and the Canadian High Commission in Abuja, began on August 12 and will conclude on August 15, bringing together government officials, investors, entrepreneurs, development partners, financial institutions and Nigerian professionals living abroad.

The Nigerian delegation is led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and includes the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Industry, Trade and Investment, and Interior, alongside the governors of Anambra, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau and Zamfara states. Senior officials from the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, Nigerian Export Promotion Council and the National Information Technology Development Agency are also participating.

Earlier, NiDCOM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the conference was designed to shift diaspora engagement from consumption-driven remittances to productive investments capable of creating jobs, transferring technology and supporting sustainable economic development.

Lawal expressed optimism that the conference would facilitate business-to-business engagements, strategic partnerships and the signing of investment agreements capable of translating diaspora resources into productive ventures across Nigeria.

He urged Nigerians in the diaspora to take advantage of emerging opportunities by returning home to invest, saying stronger collaboration between citizens abroad and those at home would accelerate economic growth and national development.