A partnership aimed to unlock diaspora capital for Nigeria’s growth has been deepened by the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
The chief executive of UBA, Mr Oliver Alawuba, underscored the diaspora’s critical role as a powerful economic force and a generation of builders shaping new narratives for the continent.
He also reiterated the financial institution’s readiness to leverage its global network and innovative financial solutions to support diaspora engagement, urging Nigerians abroad to tap into opportunities within Africa’s economic landscape.
“You are not limited here; you have opportunities on the continent, and we want you to make good use of them. That is where banking, and we at UBA, become the connecting point that you need to access the opportunities back home.
“Whether you like it or not, the returns are high in Africa, and we are here to help you navigate that space,” the UBA chief said on Monday when he hosted key representatives of NiDCOM led by its chairman, Mrs Abike Dabiri, at the bank’s office in the United Kingdom.
UBA recently launched a Diaspora Banking platform to provide a seamless, integrated platform for Africans in the diaspora to bank, invest, and manage their financial obligations back home, thus connecting global Africans with investment and wealth opportunities.
The lender introduced the platform, with leading ecosystem partners representing a major step in redefining diaspora banking beyond remittances toward structured wealth creation and long-term investment.
“With UBA, you have a financial partner that is with you, that understands what you are going through, and that can support you to make sure you realise your aspirations, both here and in the country,” Mr Alawuba noted.
In her remarks, Mrs Dabiri-Erewa praised UBA for being a trusted financial partner over the years, especially with the recent launch of its diaspora platform.
“Many of you here are the real game-changers. “For years, it has been wonderful engaging Nigerians all over the world. When I started, it felt like we only heard the bad stories, not the good ones. What we have tried to do internationally is to tell and celebrate the good stories. We have Nigerians doing well all over the world, and they are in this room. We must continue to celebrate you,” she stated.
While remarking that the meeting demonstrates a significant step in aligning public and private sector efforts to deepen diaspora inclusion and accelerate Nigeria’s development agenda, she pledged closer collaboration in driving policies and initiatives that encourage Nigerians abroad to actively participate in the country’s economic growth.