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Ministers of Aviation and Foreign Affairs, Festus Keyamo and Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, will headline the third Expatriates Business Awards in Abuja on August 20, bringing together diplomats, investors and business leaders.
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The gathering is expected to focus on foreign investment, economic diplomacy and the role of expatriate businesses, foreign missions and international organisations in Nigeria’s economic development.
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Organisers say the event has evolved into a platform for recognising expatriate investors and strengthening bilateral and multilateral partnerships that promote job creation, technology transfer and sustainable growth.
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Senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and private sector stakeholders are expected to use the forum to deepen international cooperation and explore new investment opportunities in Nigeria.
July 31, (THEWILL) — The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, are expected to lead discussions on foreign investment, economic diplomacy and the contributions of expatriate businesses to Nigeria’s economy during the third edition of the Expatriates Business Awards (TEBA) in Abuja.
The event, scheduled for Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the Rotunda Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, will bring together senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, foreign investors, multinational business executives and development partners to examine opportunities for strengthening international business partnerships and investment in Nigeria.
Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu will serve as the Chief Host of the ceremony, while Keyamo will participate as Host.
The organisers said the annual event is designed to recognise the contributions of expatriate businesses, foreign diplomatic missions, international organisations and migrant communities whose investments and partnerships have supported Nigeria’s economic growth and national development.
Also expected at the ceremony are the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD, who will attend as the Special Guest of Honour, and the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmud Adam Kambari.
An array of diplomats, captains of industry, senior public officials and business leaders from across the international community are also expected to participate.
Speaking ahead of the event, Director of Awards, Odunola Abayomi, described this year’s edition as an important milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s relationship with the international business community.
She said the Expatriates Business Awards had developed into a leading platform for recognising expatriate investors, foreign missions, international organisations and migrant communities whose investments, innovation and partnerships continue to create jobs, facilitate technology transfer and stimulate sustainable economic growth across the country.
According to Abayomi, this year’s edition will honour individuals and organisations whose commitment to Nigeria has helped strengthen investor confidence while promoting stronger bilateral and multilateral relationships.
She added that having the Minister of Foreign Affairs as Chief Host reflects the increasing importance of international partnerships and economic diplomacy in advancing Nigeria’s development priorities.
Economic Diplomacy, Investment Promotion in Focus
Abayomi further stated that TEBA has become a platform for promoting economic diplomacy, celebrating excellence and encouraging greater foreign participation in Nigeria’s investment landscape.
She noted that the initiative continues to distinguish itself as a recognition platform for foreign businesses operating in Nigeria while encouraging collaboration between government institutions and the international business community.
The organisers said the event will feature the presentation of awards, cultural exhibitions, high-level networking sessions and entertainment designed to showcase Nigeria’s cultural diversity and strengthen relationships between local and international stakeholders.
They added that the gathering would provide opportunities for government officials, diplomats, investors and business executives to exchange ideas, explore investment opportunities and reinforce international cooperation in support of Nigeria’s economic development.
The Expatriates Business Awards were established to recognise the contributions of expatriate businesses, foreign diplomatic missions, international organisations and migrant communities to Nigeria’s socio-economic development. Over the years, the platform has served as a forum for promoting economic diplomacy, encouraging foreign direct investment, supporting technology transfer and fostering collaboration between Nigeria and the global business community.
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