“Diaspora Is Nigeria’s 37th State” — Onyeali-Ikpe, Dabiri-Erewa, Rewane Push Stronger Diaspora Investment
The Fidelity Diaspora Summit 2026 brought together global experts and Nigerian policymakers to guide diaspora Nigerians on new tax policies, investment opportunities and strategies for building wealth while contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Nigeria’s diaspora community is increasingly being recognised as a powerful economic engine capable of transforming the nation’s growth trajectory. At the Fidelity Diaspora Summit 2026, top financial and policy leaders urged Nigerians living abroad to move beyond remittances and actively participate in strategic investments that could unlock massive economic opportunities in Africa’s largest economy.
Tier-one lender Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its leadership in diaspora banking with the successful hosting of the Fidelity Diaspora Summit 2026, a global virtual engagement aimed at helping Nigerians living abroad understand evolving policies and identify credible wealth-creation opportunities in Nigeria.
The summit, held virtually on Saturday, March 14, 2026, brought together Nigerians from major diaspora hubs including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates.
Welcoming participants, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Nneka Onyeali‑Ikpe, emphasised the importance of the summit’s theme: “Navigating the New Tax Policy and Unlocking Investment Opportunities in Nigeria.”
“This subject is timely, practical and relevant to every Nigerian in the diaspora who earns, saves, owns assets or invests back home,” she said.
She further described Nigerians abroad as vital contributors to the country’s global reputation and economic prospects.
“Nigerians living abroad are our strongest ambassadors. You do far more than remit funds; you carry our reputation, enterprise and potential into boardrooms, hospitals, laboratories, studios and technology hubs around the world,” Onyeali-Ikpe said.
“Many people describe the diaspora as Nigeria’s thirty-seventh state, and that description fits because of your scale and impact.”
The summit follows the maiden edition hosted in 2021 and features presentations from leading experts across finance, policy and technology sectors.
Delivering the keynote address, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri‑Erewa, stressed that diaspora Nigerians remain critical to national development.
According to her, Nigerians abroad contribute significantly through skills transfer, investments, intellectual capital and global exposure.
She also commended Fidelity Bank for creating a platform that strengthens engagement between the diaspora community and the Nigerian economy.
Economic Outlook and Policy Insights
In a presentation titled “2026 Economic Outlook and Economic Opportunities in Nigeria,” renowned economist Bismarck Rewane, Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, provided insights into Nigeria’s macroeconomic outlook and emerging investment opportunities.
Similarly, Chijioke Uwaegbute, Partner and Leader of Tax and Regulatory Services at PwC, offered clarity on Nigeria’s evolving tax framework and its implications for Nigerians living abroad.
Opportunities in Tech and Venture Capital
The summit also highlighted Nigeria’s fast-growing innovation ecosystem.
Chairman of Tekedia Capital, Ndubuisi Ekekwe, emphasised the importance of informed participation and credible partnerships for diaspora investors seeking sustainable returns across sectors.
Tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist Ike Eze presented “The Nigeria Tech Playbook: Funding Trends and Exit Strategy,” offering insights into investment frameworks and opportunities in Africa’s technology sector.
The two-hour session concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Rotus Oddiri, business news anchor at Arise News.
Fidelity Bank Reaffirms Commitment to
Diaspora Banking
In his closing remarks, Executive Director and Chief Operations & Information Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Stanley Amuchie, thanked participants for the robust engagement and reiterated the bank’s commitment to seamless global banking.
“As we round off, I encourage you to turn today’s insights into action. Ask the hard questions, seek clarity, conduct due diligence and choose partners who understand both your global context and the local terrain,” Amuchie said.
“Fidelity Bank is ready to be that partner.”
He further highlighted the bank’s diaspora banking solutions, including multi-currency accounts, secure authentication systems, dedicated support channels and cross-border payment tools designed to simplify financial transactions for Nigerians abroad.
About Fidelity Bank
Fidelity Bank Plc is one of Nigeria’s leading commercial banks, serving more than 10 million customers through digital banking platforms and 255 business offices nationwide, as well as its UK subsidiary FidBank UK Limited.
The bank has received multiple local and international recognitions, including awards for digital transformation, SME banking innovation, and export financing excellence.
