UBA, NiDCOM deepen collaboration to boost diaspora investment in Nigeria

Africa’s global bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, is reinforcing its commitment to channeling diaspora capital into Nigeria’s economic growth. UBA’s Group Managing Director and CEO, Oliver Alawuba, made the statement Monday while hosting representatives from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), led by its chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, at the bank’s UK office.

The visit followed the recent launch of UBA’s Diaspora Banking platform, which aims to provide Africans abroad with a seamless way to bank, invest, and manage financial obligations in Nigeria. The platform, developed with leading ecosystem partners, marks a shift from simple remittances toward structured wealth creation and long-term investment opportunities for the diaspora.

Investors abroad encouraged to engage Africa

During the meeting, Alawuba highlighted the diaspora’s importance as a powerful economic force shaping new opportunities across the continent. “With UBA, you have a financial partner that is with you, that understands what you are going through, and that can support you to realize your aspirations, both here and in Nigeria,” he said.

He encouraged Nigerians abroad to explore Africa’s economic opportunities. “You are not limited here; you have opportunities on the continent, and we want you to make good use of them. Whether you like it or not, the returns are high in Africa, and we are here to help you navigate that space,” Alawuba added.

Dabiri-Erewa highlights progress, collaboration

Dabiri-Erewa praised UBA for its support and the launch of the diaspora platform, emphasizing the resilience of Nigerians overseas. “Many of you here are the real game-changers. For years, we mostly heard negative stories. Now, we are celebrating Nigerians doing well all over the world—you are in this room. We must continue to celebrate you,” she said.

She added that the meeting reflects progress in aligning public and private sector efforts to deepen diaspora engagement and accelerate Nigeria’s development agenda. Dabiri-Erewa pledged closer collaboration to drive policies and initiatives encouraging active participation from Nigerians abroad.

Connecting diaspora businesses across Africa

UBA employs more than 25,000 people across Africa and serves over 45 million customers globally. The bank operates in 20 African countries, the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates, offering retail, commercial, and institutional banking services. Its global reach and technology-driven solutions position it as a key partner for Nigerians at home and abroad.

The latest discussion also underscored UBA’s role in facilitating cross-border payments, unlocking high-yield investment opportunities, and connecting diaspora-led enterprises to markets across Africa. With its robust global presence and extensive African footprint, UBA continues to serve as a critical link for those seeking to engage with the continent’s expanding economy.