Nigerians, on Thursday night, honoured expatriates whose investments, skills and enterprise have contributed to Nigeria’s economic growth, describing them as partners in national development.

The event titled, The Expatriates Business Awards (TEBA) 2026, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, brought together Ministry officials, diplomats, captains of industry and members of the expatriate community for “an evening of recognition, appreciation, celebration and gratitude.”

Delivering the introductory remarks, Director of Awards, Odunola Abayomi, said TEBA was conceived to celebrate men and women who “crossed borders, embraced Nigeria, built businesses, created jobs, transferred knowledge and promoted culture.”

“Tonight is not just another evening of awards. Every award presented tonight is more than a trophy. It is a public salute to individuals, organisations and communities whose contributions have strengthened the Nigerian economy,” Abayomi said.

According to Abayomi, recognising expatriate investors and professionals encourages them to “deepen their roots, expand their investments and do even more for the country they have chosen to call home.”

She noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided enormous support for the initiative because it aligns with Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic engagement with the world.

“Foreign Affairs represents Nigeria’s gateway to the world. It is where diplomacy is cultivated and bridges are built between nations. The support we have received shows that TEBA is not simply an awards ceremony,” she said.

Abayomi expressed gratitude to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for their “exceptional support and encouragement.”

She also singled out two “heroes behind the success of TEBA 2026” — the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dr. Dunoma Umar Ahmed, and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Mahmud Adam Kambari.

“Behind every successful event is a team who may not stand on the stage, but whose decisions and goodwill make the stage possible. You are those heroes tonight, Sirs. The TEBA team says to you: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you,” she said.

The Director also acknowledged sponsors and institutional partners including Nigerbird Engineering, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, FAAN, NAMA, Xejet, NAHCO and KAS Prints.

She said their support was “a statement that you believe in the idea that Nigeria is stronger when it welcomes talent, investment, enterprise and culture from across the world.”

Other dignitaries at the event included directors and chief executives of government agencies and members of the diplomatic corps.

The night featured music, comedy and award presentations in what organisers described as “a vibrant fusion of culture and commerce, where the handshake of diplomacy meets the heartbeat of Nigerian creativity.”

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