TD Former Anambra State governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has called on Nigerians in the diaspora to play a greater role in Nigeria’s economic development, while expressing support for investment in the ongoing Dangote Petroleum Refinery Initial Public Offering (IPO).
Obi made the remarks as he concluded a four-day working visit to the United States.
During the visit, he met Nigerian professionals, prominent personalities and diaspora media organisations.
Reflecting on the visit, Obi said he was encouraged by the talent and commitment of Nigerians living abroad.
He argued that their knowledge, experience and innovation should be treated as national assets.
His comments were contained in a statement published as he concluded the U.S. visit.
‘You Are Not Outsiders to Nigeria’s Future’
Obi said one of the most fulfilling aspects of his visit was meeting Nigerian professionals working in the United States.
These include doctors, lawyers, engineers, technology professionals, entrepreneurs, educators and business leaders.
He said many of them were succeeding internationally while maintaining a strong interest in Nigeria’s development.
“You are not outsiders to Nigeria’s future; you are an important part of it,” he said.
According to Obi, Nigeria should create an environment that allows citizens in the diaspora to contribute their expertise and resources to national development.
This they could do without having to relocate permanently before their talents can be recognised.
He said his vision was for a Nigeria where: “the son or daughter of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody.”
Obi said a person’s background should not determine their prospects.
He argued that hard work, competence and integrity should matter more than political connections.
Nigeria Must Move from Consumption to Production
The former Anambra governor again advocated a transition from what he described as a consumption-driven economy to a production-based economy.
He said Nigeria needs greater investment in:
- Education
- Healthcare
- Human capital
- Enterprise
- Productive jobs
- Domestic industries
According to him, young Nigerians should be able to build successful careers and businesses at home rather than being forced to leave the country before their abilities are recognised.
“Our young people should not have to leave Nigeria before their talents are recognised or their dreams become possible,” he said.
Obi also disclosed that he engaged diaspora media organisations, including NoireTV Network and Adeola Talks, during his American visit.
He said the discussions focused on building a more productive, secure and prosperous Nigeria.
Obi Endorses Investment in Dangote Refinery IPO
In a separate portion of his statement, Obi said Nigerians he met during his engagements had asked for his opinion on the ongoing Dangote Petroleum Refinery IPO.
He said he encouraged them to participate, while praising Aliko Dangote for investing heavily in Nigeria’s productive sector:
“While encouraging them to buy, I must say that I remain very proud of the commitment and breakthrough of Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s investment in the real sector of our country’s economy, across different sectors.”
Obi said the refinery’s development reinforced his argument that Nigeria needs to move from importing and consuming goods to producing more of what it consumes.
He also called on other Nigerian businesses to invest in productive sectors and consider offering shares to the public:
“I, therefore, encourage other Nigerian businesses to invest in the productive sectors of the Nigerian economy and also give fellow Nigerian citizens the opportunity to be part of the re-industrialization of the country by offering their shares to the public through public offerings.”
Dangote IPO Opens at ₦525 Per Share
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals IPO officially opened on September 14, 2026.
The offer comprises 4.1 billion ordinary shares at ₦525 per share, with a minimum subscription of 10 shares, costing ₦5,250. The offer is scheduled to close on October 13, 2026.
The Nigerian Exchange Group described the offer as the first petroleum refinery IPO in the Exchange’s 66-year history. The proposed ₦2.15 trillion offering is open to retail, institutional and eligible African investors.
Reuters reported that the IPO represents an attempt to raise about ₦2.15 trillion (approximately $1.6 billion) through the sale of the 4.1 billion shares.
The funds are intended to support the refinery’s expansion programme.
SEC Warns Investors to Use Approved Channels
While Obi has encouraged Nigerians to participate, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has advised prospective investors to exercise caution and use only officially designated receiving agents and approved electronic subscription channels.
The regulator warned investors against transferring money to individuals or entities claiming to process IPO applications outside approved channels.
It urged prospective subscribers to verify the registration status of investment platforms and capital-market operators.
The official Dangote IPO information also warns investors that share values can rise or fall after listing and that investors could lose some or all of their money.
Consequently, Obi’s statement represents his publicly expressed position on participating in the IPO.
It does not remove the investment risks or substitute for consideration of the approved prospectus and independent financial advice.
‘Our Potential Is Greater Than Our Challenges’
Concluding his American visit, Obi said Nigeria’s challenges remain significant.
He, however, argued that the country’s human and natural resources provide a basis for building a more productive economy:
“Our challenges are great, but our potential is greater.”
He said Nigerians at home and abroad all have a role to play in building a country where opportunities are determined by contribution rather than connections or place of origin.
Obi ended his message with his recurring political slogan:
“A New Nigeria is POssible.”
His latest comments combine his long-standing advocacy for lower barriers to economic participation with a call for greater investment in Nigerian productive enterprises, including the newly launched Dangote Refinery public offer.
