UBA and NiDCOM deepen collaboration to unlock diaspora capital for Nigeria’s growth

Global African Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has reiterated its commitment to building tangible economic bridges and strengthening diaspora-led investment in Nigeria.

UBA Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, stated this on Monday, while hosting key representatives of the Nigerian Commission in Diaspora (NiDCOM) led by its Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri, at the bank’s UK office.

The strategic visit comes on the heels of UBA’s recently launched Diaspora Banking platform, designed to provide an integrated and seamless platform for Africans in the diaspora to bank, invest and manage their financial obligations at home, thereby connecting global Africans with investment opportunities and wealth.

The bank launched the platform, with key ecosystem partners representing an important step in redefining diaspora banking beyond remittances towards structured wealth creation and long-term investments.

During the strategic meeting with NIDCOM officials at the UK UBA office on Monday, Alawuba highlighted the diaspora’s critical role as a powerful economic force and as a generation of builders shaping new narratives for the continent.

Highlighting UBA’s role as a trusted partner to Nigerians at home and abroad, he said: “With UBA, you have a financial partner who is with you, who understands what you are going through and who can support you to ensure you achieve your aspirations, both here and in the country.”

Alawuba further encouraged the diaspora to take advantage of opportunities in the African economic landscape, saying: “You are not limited here; you have opportunities on the continent and we want you to make good use of them. This is where the banking sector, and we at UBA, become the connection point you need to access opportunities at home. Like it or not, returns are high in Africa and we are here to help you navigate that space.”

He also took time to reiterate the Bank’s readiness to leverage its global network and innovative financial solutions to support diaspora engagement.

The President/Chief Executive Officer, NiDCOM, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who commended UBA for being a trusted financial partner over the years, especially with the recent launch of its diaspora platform, commended the resilience and success of Nigerians abroad, while calling for greater focus on constructive narratives.

He said: “Many of you here are the real revolutionaries. “For years it has been wonderful to engage Nigerians around the world. When I started, it seemed like we only heard the bad stories, not the good ones. What we have tried to do internationally is tell and celebrate good stories. We have Nigerians doing well all over the world and they are in this room. We must continue to celebrate you.”

While stressing that the meeting demonstrates a significant step in aligning public and private sector efforts to deepen diaspora inclusion and accelerate Nigeria’s development agenda, he promised closer collaboration in driving policies and initiatives that encourage Nigerians abroad to actively participate in the country’s economic growth.

The discussions further highlighted UBA’s unique position in facilitating cross-border payments, unlocking high-yielding investment opportunities and connecting diaspora businesses to markets across the continent.

With a strong global footprint and unrivaled African presence, UBA continues to serve as a vital link for those wishing to engage with the continent’s growing economy.

United Bank for Africa is one of the largest financial sector employers on the African continent, employing 25,000 people group-wide and serving more than 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, driving financial inclusion and implementing cutting-edge technologies.