The Nigerian Presidency has accused Nigerians living overseas of demarketing the country. The charge came during a major meeting of the diaspora in Toronto Canada.
President Bola Tinubu delivered the message through his Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila at the Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference. The event took place around 12 to 15 August 2026 with the theme Thrive Abroad Invest Nigeria. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission organised it.
Gbajabiamila told the crowd that people abroad may disagree with policies criticise the government and demand better results. Those differences must not become actions that damage Nigeria peace its institutions or its economic future. He said serving as an ambassador does not require pretending the nation has no problems. Honest criticism supports democracy.
He called for a clear line between political disagreement and steps that harm the country. Political contests are temporary while citizenship lasts. The administration stood by its economic reforms saying it chose lasting strength over delaying hard decisions. The changes are bringing more stability, yet ordinary people still need to feel gains through jobs, lower costs stronger local industries and better livelihoods.
Money sent home already helps millions of families. Officials said that should mark only the beginning. They urged the diaspora to invest knowledge technology networks and experience into farming processing health care technology energy housing logistics mining education creative fields and export manufacturing. Nigeria can act as a gateway to the wider African market.
Success from abroad should be measured by skills and systems built not just cash transfers. The conference drew government officials’ governors ministers Canadian leaders’ investors and Nigerian community members. Canada hosts a large Nigerian population that sends substantial remittances.
