The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has announced the launch of the Connected Diaspora x DOWA Start-up Challenge alongside its Connected Diaspora Flagship Event 2025, as part of fresh efforts to mobilise global Nigerian talent for national development.
Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the initiatives as “timely, transformative and strategically positioned” to tap into the innovation, expertise and entrepreneurial capacity of Nigerians across the world.
Dabiri-Erewa said the startup challenge, themed “Building, Breaking and Believing in Nigeria,” aims to energise diaspora innovators and drive knowledge transfer, enterprise growth and strategic investment into Nigeria’s expanding economy.
With a cash prize of up to ₦1 million, the challenge will identify and support exceptional ideas developed by Nigerians abroad, in line with the Federal Government’s efforts to treat the diaspora as key partners in national progress, according to the statement signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, NiDCOM on Wednesday.
The NiDCOM boss also announced that the Connected Diaspora Flagship Event 2025 will hold on December 19, 2025, in Lagos, featuring entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, technology leaders and strategic partners.
She said the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, will be the Special Guest of Honour and is expected to speak on the importance of deeper collaboration between government and the diaspora to fast-track national development.
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According to her, notable contributors from Nigeria and the diaspora will participate in high-level conversations on the country’s future, with focus on innovation, opportunities, and strategic partnerships.
Dabiri-Erewa expressed appreciation to all partners supporting the programme, stressing that their commitment continues to expand the potential of the Nigerian diaspora and drive economic advancement. She urged public and private sector stakeholders to tap into the opportunities the initiative presents.
NiDCOM also encouraged young Nigerians and diaspora returnees to enter the Start-up Challenge before the December 12 deadline, while revealing that the December event will feature a Diaspora Talent Career and Internship Fair to connect returnees with internship opportunities through DOWA partner organisations.
Programme Highlights: Call for Applications: Nov. 18 – Dec. 12, 2025; Public Voting (Instagram): Dec. 13 – 17, 2025; Winner Announcement: Dec. 18, 2025; Final Presentation: Dec. 19, 2025, at JK Randle Centre, Lagos.
