Business Opportunities for Nigerians in Diaspora: High ROI

If you are a Nigerian living in a foreign land, investing in your country shouldn’t be a matter of choice; it is a necessity. In this guide, we will explore some business and investment opportunities with high returns for Nigerians living in diaspora.

In the past two years, over 3.6 million Nigerians have emigrated, with 2,115,139 leaving in 2022 and 1,574,357 from January to September 2023, according to the Nigeria Immigration Service’s MIDAS data. The US, Canada, and the UK are top destinations for those seeking better opportunities abroad, according to a survey by the National Bureau of Statistics. 

A recent study by Substact also revealed that in 2024, approximately 52,000 Nigerians migrated to the United Kingdom, making it a leading destination for Nigerian migrants.

This influx contributed to the UK’s overall non-EU+ migration figures. While the UK saw a significant number of Nigerian migrants, overall net migration to the UK dropped by nearly 50% in the same period

While there is a high influx of Nigerians leaving the country, it is also important to note that there are some Nigerians who were born abroad and have never visited their home country.

Whether you are in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Fuji, Germany, Indonesia or any continent, one true emotion that always reminds us is that we are Nigerians.

Nobody retires from being a Nigerian, not even by securing a European passport. We can relocate (or Japa as people call us), but the Nigerian in us will also live forever.

For this reason, some Nigerians in the diaspora have been exploring creative and wise business investment ideas than they do back home for the sake of their extended families and even immediate families.

Why Nigerians in Diaspora Should Consider Investing in Nigeria

Investing abroad in a foreign land where you have little to no family is good. But for some people who have a strong family heritage and wish to leave a legacy back home, this may not be the best option for them

While others have made their decisions final of not ever returning to Nigeria, some Nigerians in diaspora share a different ideology.

If you want to retire to Nigeria in the future, you can invest in Nigeria from abroad and return years later to enjoy your investments.

Here are some reasons Nigerians abroad should invest in Nigeria

1. Increasing Population of Nigerians

Nigeria’s population is currently estimated at 237,754,182 as of July 22, 2025, according to Worldometer. This makes it the most populous country in Africa.

Nigeria accounts for 2.89% of the world’s total population and ranks 6th in terms of population size

With this massive population, you will see Chinese companies coming to Nigeria, UK companies coming to do business in Nigeria, and more expatriates pushing to own companies in Nigeria.

Opay, which is one of Nigeria’s largest fintech platforms, is owned by a Chinese. If you meet 20 Nigerians, there is a possibility that 15 of them have an OPay account.

With this massive population, there is high demand for many products and services. If you can come up with a product or service and place a premium on it, you will surely have a scalable business.

2. High Return on Investment

While there is no argument that there is Inflation in Nigeria, there are still untapped investment opportunities. Like one of my mentors, Pastor Olumide Emmanuel, would say. “Crises Create Opportunities”

While the Naira has been devalued, Nigerians can convert pounds, dollars, euros to Naira at the best rates and have these monies invested with profitable returns.

Statistics have it that a lot of sectors in Nigeria are untapped. Investing in these sectors (e.g Agriculture) with a clear business plan, strategy, and structure will surely provide a high ROI, especially if you are investing in foreign currencies.

3. Favourable Exchange Rate

Investing in a foreign currency in Nigeria will always give you an edge over investing in local currency due to the high inflation. While Nigerians in Nigeria may struggle due to the outrageous capital, for foreigners, it will be just a small amount

4. Income Diversification

While investing abroad may sound like the best choice, investing in Nigeria to diversify your income stream will be a game-changer.

Due to the untapped sectors in Nigeria and the increasing population of Nigerians, you can leverage these opportunities and establish a sustainable income source.

5. Job Creation

According to Statista, in Q1 2024, the unemployment rate for youth (15–24 years) in Nigeria was 8.4%, while the unemployment rate for those with post-secondary education was 9.0%. The overall unemployment rate for Nigeria was 5.3%.

The youth unemployment rate has seen a slight decrease compared to Q3 2023, but youth unemployment remains higher than the national average

From this data, investing in Nigeria while in diaspora will not just create wealth and streams of income for you but will also create opportunities for Nigerian youths and even graduates who wander the streets without a Job.

This will further help to boost the GDP and the overall economy of the country and contribute to the national wealth.

6. Creation of Export Opportunities

Nigeria is a country with so many natural resources. Sadly, the government only relies on crude oil. Engaging in businesses that provide export opportunities will help to grow other sectors in Nigeria that are receiving little to no attention.

So many products like cashew, palm oil, kpomo, kennel, bitter kola, kola nuts, and so many other food and non-food items have high market demand abroad. All you need to do is establish a company in Nigeria and apply for a license to export these products from the right authorities.

7. Legacy Building

Nigerians living in diaspora can invest not just in cash-generating ventures but also by contributing towards building legacies by providing healthcare services, scholarships for students, serving local communities and engaging in activities that will put Nigeria on the map and attract further foreign investments.

8. Building Stronger Relationships

If you are considering investing in Nigeria from abroad, this is one of the most powerful diaspora investment benefits you should leverage.

By investing in Nigeria, you will be able to connect back to your roots and reignite that sense and feeling of being a Nigerian.

Relationships are currencies. Having that strong bond back home should surely be a reason you would consider investing in Nigeria from diaspora.

Profitable Business Opportunities for Nigerians Living in Diaspora

Having highlighted some benefits you will gain from investing in Nigeria from the diaspora, let’s quickly look at some of the best investment options for Nigerians overseas

1. Real Estate

Over 200 million Nigerians need shelter, a place for business, and a place to farm, and the list goes on.

Real estate is such a golden investment. You can invest in real estate property development, rentals, and different kinds of real estate projects.

It’s either you are buying old buildings, rebuilding them and selling them off or renting them at a high return. Or you are building residential homes in some of the biggest cities in Nigeria and selling them at a decent amount.

You can also engage in land banding, buy bush now and sell it 10 to 20 years from now when the market value of these lands has gone up.

Sadly, in some of these investments, you may not live to enjoy them, but how about your children? Building a strong foundation and leaving a legacy for them should be worth the investment.

In summary, investing in real estate for Nigerians in diasporas should always top the list when discussing diaspora investments in Nigeria

2. Agribusiness and Agro-Processing Ventures

The large population in Nigeria needs to be fed. People can survive without other things, but they can not live without food.

According to ResearchGate,

Nigerians living overseas can invest in businesses such as poultry farming, yam farming, cassava farming, palm farming, Snail farming, orange juice production, fish farming, maggot farming, e.t.c

You can either invest in the production of these agricultural products or establish manufacturing companies in Nigeria to refine them into finished products or invest in exporting them abroad, where they are needed in factories for different kinds of production.

3. Importation and Distribution Business

With Nigeria still being underdeveloped in technology and other sectors, this is one of the best business opportunities for Nigerians living in Diaspora.

You can establish companies in Nigeria that deal in importing goods to Nigeria, supply chain business in Nigeria, and diaspora import/export ventures.

You can import goods ranging from electrical items, electronics and home appliances, building materials, office equipment and many others.

Just recently, there has been high demand for logistics services in Nigeria. With more e-commerce companies like Temu hitting the spotlight, goods and parcels need to be delivered from one location to another.

4. Fintech and Online Businesses

You can invest in tech startups in Nigeria. The tech ecosystem is constantly growing, and it has high potential for investors.

You can invest in creating payment software, or even build apps that help Nigerians send and receive money from home to abroad.

How about creating software that helps students study better digitally? You can also create a platform that helps people reduce costs spent on other things.

Just recently, Nigerians have left DSTV for cheaper alternatives that will still give them a moderate to standard life of entertainment.

You can create a product or service that solves the problems of people by increasing their productivity or reducing their spending.

5. Franchise and Retail Investments

This is for diaspora Nigerians who can invest large sums of money in a project that has high returns. You can partner with both foreign and local companies to establish a franchise company that sells and distributes different kinds of products or offers high-demand services.

6. Hotels and Hospitality Services

While there is an outcry for economic hardship in Nigeria, many youths and adults are seen spending large sums of money renting hotels and living lavish lifestyles at bars and lounges.

There is also a rising need for event halls for semiars and all kinds of business conferences. Establishing hotels that doesnt just provide accomdation but also event hosting services and night clubs will surely be a good investment option.

7. Work Spaces 

Every Nigerian youth now is into tech or aspiring to do tech. From being a web developer to a cybersecurity expert to being a virtual assistant to a business consultant to product development. The list is endless

Establishing workspaces and conference halls is such a cool business opportunity. With the rising generation of tech bros and ever declining electricity, most of these guys need a workspace that they can use from time to time to do their busiensess and even host meetings.

You can establish workspaces and also partner with other trainers to offer high-demand skills acquisition training for young guys willing to go into tech.

8. Entertainment 

There will never be a time in history when people will feel tired of being entertained. Entertainment is big business in Nigeria.

You can invest in music production, film house lighting and theatre or even sell this must-have theatrical and videography equipment like cameras, lighting and the rest.

9. Tech Gadgets

With technology on the rise, you can invest in importing smartphones, tech gadgets ranging from ring lights, microphones, sound speakers, laptops, and sell them in the Nigerian market.

Investing in tech will forever remain one of the business opportunities for Nigerians living in diaspora.

10. Supermarkets and Grocery Stores

You can also invest in establishing big malls and supermarkets that cater for the basic needs of every Nigerian. You can sell the most basic items that both the rich and poor can buy.

Some other investment opportunities include:

• Auto Dealership
• Schools
• Consulting Services
• Rentals
• Photography
• Fashion

How to Start a Business in Nigeria While Living Abroad

Below is how to start a business in Nigeria if you live overseas.

1. Discover Your Line and Sector of Business

Business is simply offering services or products and getting paid in return. The first thing you should do is identify a business idea that you think will work for you. You can pick from our suggestions

2. Register Your Company With CAC

Having secured your business idea, next is to register with the Corporate Affairs Commision to make it legal. You do not want to wake up one day and discover the government is shutting down your investment because of non-registration, right?

CAC registration should be the first stage of securing your brand

3. Secure Industry License

The nature of your business will determine which agency in Nigeria regulates it. Securing a license is paramount for your business success.

4. Trademark Your Brand

Nigerian’s generally like doing copycat work. Trademarking your logo, slogan and trade secret shouldn’t be played with, it should be a neccesity.

With the high competition and the tendency for Aba boys to produce a fake, replica of the products you are manufacturing, it is good to build your brand to a level where it is a fortress.

I always tell my clients that registering with CAC is like asking your crush to be your girlfriend. Trademarking, on the other hand, is walking her down the aisle and tying the knot together.

Your intellectual property is a key asset to your success as an investor

5. Secure EFCC Certificates

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has mandated some businesses to register with the commission and obtain a certificate.

The aim is to ensure such a company does not engage in money laundering activities or suspicious business dealings

6. Establish Your Business

Not every business will require you to otain licensing or procesess mentioned above. However, if it does require, you will need to launch your company by having a phsycial office and carryout out business activities.

Legal Requirements for Diaspora Entrepreneurs in Nigeria

The following are some of the legal requirements needed for diaspora investors

• CAC Registration
• TIN
• BVN
• Industry License
• Trademark
• SCUML
• Compliance reports and filing
• Tax filings

Government Support and Grants for Nigerians in Diaspora

The Nigerian government provides various supports and potential grants for Nigerians in the diaspora community to encourage their participation in the country’s development.

These include initiatives like the Diaspora National Housing Fund, the Diaspora Trust Fund, and the prospective issuance of Diaspora Bonds, all aimed at facilitating investments and financial contributions from Nigerians abroad.

Additionally, the Global Diaspora Opportunity Initiative (G-DOI) by the Nigerian Capital Development Fund (NCDF) focuses on empowering Nigerians in the diaspora to return, reinvest, and reconnect with Nigeria

Challenges Diaspora Nigerians Face When Investing in Nigeria

While we can talk about the sweet and good things about investing in Nigeria, I can’t leave without mentioning business risks for those diaspora who wish to invest in Nigeria.

• Volatile Market
• Inflation
• Bureaucracy in Government
• Government Fiscal Polices
• Cultural differences
• Lack of awareness
• Decline in accepting innovation
• Lack of capital
• Lack of government support
• Poverty
• Insecurity
• Poor Infrastructure

Practical Tips for Managing Business from Abroad

Below are some practical guides you can implement towards the success of your investment

1. Employ a Consultant

Legacy Benjamin Consult will help you structure your business and investments from CAC registrations to tax filings to securing all needed industry licenses to opening a corporate account. Send us a DM on WhatsApp @ 08066108299

2. Study Government Policies

Just recently, the Federal Government of Nigeria has implemented nex tax bill which is set to revolutionise taxation in Nigeria.

As we all know, taxation is one way the government uses to generate revenue through fiscal policies. Staying aware of government decisions and future tax policies will help in planning and securing your investments in the right way

3. Leverage Technology

Always look towards using technology to your advantage. With the advent of AI, you could be kicked out of businesses and better product or services could come out to replace yours.

4. Build a Solid Team

Built with Lawyers, Accountants, Consultants and Staff who share the same vision with you and your business. By building with reliable teams, you will reduce so much business risk.

5. Start Small and Grow

Businesess grow with time. There is no perfect business or investment plan. Just have a clear goal and plan to where you want to go.

In you wait for the government, the weather and everything to be perfect before investing, the time will never come.

Define your risk appetite and commit to it. Businesses exist to make profits, and profits come as a result of taking calculated risks.

Without risk, there is no reward, and there won’t be any business or investment.

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Conclusion:

I hope that anybody looking for business and investment opportunities for Nigerians living in the diaspora will find this guide and tips insightful.

Remember, investing back in Nigeria while staying overseas is not gender specific. Even as a woman, you can invest in your future and create a dynasty