NiDCOM urges diaspora to drive innovation, youth entrepreneurship

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has called on Nigerians living abroad to take a more active role in promoting innovation and youth entrepreneurship, stressing that diaspora knowledge, exposure and investment are vital to Nigeria’s economic growth and sustainable development.

The call was made in Lagos at the second edition of the Connected Diaspora Innovation Challenge, an initiative under NiDCOM’s Home Strings Programme aimed at harnessing diaspora-driven ideas, skills transfer and youth-led enterprise for national development.

The event brought together senior government officials, diaspora leaders, private sector players, entrepreneurs and young innovators to explore practical ways of converting global expertise into locally relevant solutions and scalable businesses.

Speaking at the programme, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, described innovation, youth empowerment and diaspora collaboration as key pillars for Nigeria’s progress, noting that meaningful development requires deliberate investment in people and ideas.

Hamzat also reflected on the racial and professional challenges many Nigerians encounter abroad, explaining that such experiences influenced his decision to return home and contribute directly to nation-building efforts.

He commended NiDCOM and its partners for sustaining the initiative and urged young Nigerians to believe in their capacity to succeed, while also maintaining confidence in institutions working to expand opportunities.

In his keynote address, Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Eke, challenged youths to invest in Nigeria and build homegrown solutions capable of addressing local problems while remaining competitive in the global market.

Earlier, NiDCOM Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, emphasised collaboration and shared responsibility, encouraging Nigerians in the diaspora to bring their skills, innovation and global networks back home to help drive inclusive national development.