The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has unveiled the Connected Diaspora x DOWA Start-Up Challenge and announced the 2025 edition of its Connected Diaspora Flagship Event, as part of renewed efforts to deepen diaspora engagement and strengthen national development.
Speaking at a news conference in Lagos, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the initiatives as transformative platforms designed to harness the talent, innovation and entrepreneurial capacity of Nigerians across the globe. She said the Start-Up Challenge, themed “Building, Breaking and Believing in Nigeria,” aims to energise diaspora innovators, stimulate knowledge exchange and promote enterprise development that will contribute to the country’s growing economy.
The competition offers cash prizes of up to ₦1 million for outstanding ideas developed by Nigerians abroad, reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to positioning the diaspora as strategic partners in national progress. Dabiri-Erewa urged young Nigerians and diaspora returnees to submit entries before the December 7 deadline, stressing that innovation from Nigerians worldwide remains one of the country’s greatest assets.
NiDCOM also announced that the Connected Diaspora Flagship Event will hold on December 19, 2025, in Lagos. The gathering is expected to bring together policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, technology leaders and partners for high-level conversations on Nigeria’s development trajectory. Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, is billed to attend as Special Guest of Honour, while the Chairman of Zinox Group, Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, will deliver the keynote address.
Dabiri-Erewa added that this year’s event will feature a Diaspora Talent Career and Internship Fair to connect diaspora returnees with internship opportunities through DOWA partner organisations, further supporting talent development and national advancement.
She expressed appreciation to NiDCOM’s partners for their sustained support, noting that their commitment continues to expand opportunities for diaspora engagement and economic growth. She called on stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to embrace the initiative and contribute to strengthening innovation, collaboration and nation-building.