Foreign, Aviation Ministers to Host Third Expatriates Business Awards in Abuja Aug. 20

0

The Federal Government will on August 20 host the third edition of The Expatriates Business Awards (TEBA) in Abuja, as Nigeria seeks to deepen economic diplomacy and recognise the contributions of expatriate businesses, foreign missions and international organisations to the country’s economic development.

The organisers announced on Friday that the prestigious event would take place at the Rotunda Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, serving as the Chief Host.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, will serve as the Host, while the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, will attend as the Special Guest of Honour.

Also expected at the ceremony is the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmud Adam Kambari, alongside diplomats, senior government officials, captains of industry, members of the diplomatic corps and leading business executives from across the international community.

According to the organisers, the annual awards have become Nigeria’s premier platform for celebrating the achievements and impact of expatriate investors, foreign businesses, international personalities and migrant communities whose activities have contributed significantly to national development.

Speaking ahead of the ceremony, the Director of Awards, Odunola Abayomi, described the 2026 edition as another milestone in strengthening the country’s engagement with the global business community.

She said: “The Expatriates Business Awards has evolved into Nigeria’s foremost platform for recognising the invaluable contributions of expatriate investors, foreign missions, international organisations, and migrant communities whose investments, innovation, and partnerships continue to create jobs, promote technology transfer, and stimulate sustainable economic growth across the country.

“This year’s edition promises to be bigger and more impactful as we honour individuals and organisations whose commitment to Nigeria has inspired confidence in our economy and strengthened bilateral and multilateral relationships. We are particularly honoured to have the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, as our Chief Host, reflecting the growing importance of international partnerships in Nigeria’s development agenda.”

Abayomi further explained that TEBA has grown beyond an award ceremony to become an important platform for promoting economic diplomacy, celebrating excellence and encouraging increased foreign investment in Nigeria.

She noted that the initiative has continued to distinguish itself as the country’s leading recognition platform for expatriate businesses and organisations that have made meaningful contributions to economic growth through investments, innovation and strategic partnerships.

The organisers said this year’s ceremony would feature the presentation of awards to deserving individuals and organisations, colourful cultural displays and exhibitions highlighting Nigeria’s rich heritage, as well as high-level networking sessions aimed at fostering stronger business and diplomatic relationships.

The event is also expected to bring together representatives of government, foreign missions, multinational companies, international organisations and the private sector to celebrate enduring partnerships between Nigeria and the global community.

According to the organisers, guests can expect an evening of diplomacy, elegance and cultural entertainment designed to reinforce international cooperation while recognising excellence among expatriate businesses and other stakeholders whose contributions have supported Nigeria’s economic transformation.