Diaspora capital critical to Ondo’s economic revival – Dabiri-Erewa
- Feb 24
- 2 min read
Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called on Nigerians abroad to channel more investment into Ondo State, describing diaspora participation as a major driver of sustainable economic growth.
She made the appeal in Akure during the 2026 Ondo State Investment Summit, where she stressed that national development requires a deliberate partnership between citizens at home and those overseas. According to her, remittances should increasingly be directed toward productive ventures capable of expanding industries and generating employment.
Dabiri-Erewa noted that beyond emotional ties to the homeland, there is a strong economic case for diaspora-backed enterprises. She urged investors to take advantage of existing policy incentives and regulatory structures designed to support both local and foreign participation in critical sectors.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa used the summit to position Ondo as a destination ready for industrial expansion and international collaboration. He outlined a shift from consumption-led growth to a production-focused economy anchored on private sector investment and long-term policy stability.
A key highlight of the event was the signing of agreements, including plans for a Deep Sea Port project structured under a Public-Private Partnership model. The state is expected to retain a minority equity stake in the venture. Another major proposal unveiled was a multi-billion-dollar petrochemical fertiliser plant to be located in the southern part of the state, aimed at boosting industrial capacity.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said the initiatives reflect a commitment to creating an enabling environment built on regulatory clarity and political will. He maintained that investors are drawn not only to resource potential but also to certainty and structured governance.
The state government also promoted its coastal access, natural resources such as bitumen deposits, agricultural strength and strategic geographic position as comparative advantages. Central to its industrial plan is the proposed Ondo Deep Sea Port and an adjoining free trade zone designed to support manufacturing, logistics and export-oriented businesses.
Representatives of the National Assembly, economic stakeholders, traditional leaders and members of the state executive council attended the summit, with discussions focusing on long-term job creation, industrial expansion and reducing dependence on federal allocations.
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