Nigeria has honoured expatriate businesses, investors and members of the international community for their contributions to job creation, knowledge transfer, investment and economic development.
The award was unveiled at the 2026 edition of The Expatriates Business Awards (TEBA) held at the Rotunda Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
TEBA, hosted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, served as the Chief Host. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo was in attendance with diplomats, captains of industry and expatriate government officials.
In her opening remarks TEBA Director of Awards Odunola Abayomi stated the initiative was established to celebrate individuals who had crossed borders, embraced Nigeria, established businesses, created jobs, transferred knowledge and promoted cultural exchange.
She described the awards as a public recognition of individuals organizations and communities whose contributions had strengthened the Nigerian economy.organizations
Abayomi said TEBA was also designed to encourage expatriate investors, entrepreneurs and professionals to deepen their engagement in Nigeria expand their investments and contribute further to the country’s development.
She acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stating the partnership demonstrated that TEBA was aligned with Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic engagement with the international community.
The Director of Awards also recognised the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed and Dr Mahmud Adam Kambari, respectively. She described them as key figures behind the success of the 2026 edition.
The event featured the presentation of awards to individuals and organizations, cultural performances and networking among stakeholders from the diplomatic and business communities.
The award presentation included Expatriate Man of the Year, Expatriate CEO of the Year, Construction Firm of the Year, Expatriate Woman of the Year, Oil and Gas Man of the Year, Heritage Embrace, Aviation Safety Champion of the Year, Expatriate Financial Institution of the Year, Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year, Electronics Company of the Year, CSR Brand Company of the Year, Cross-over Influencer of the Year, Diaspora Revelation of the Year, Expatriate Group of the Year, Outstanding Expatriate of the Year, Employment-Friendly Expatriate, Cross-over Actress of the Year, Cross-border Talent of the Year and other awardees.
The evening featured music, comedy and award presentations in what the organizers described as a “vibrant fusion of culture and commerce where the handshake of diplomacy meets the heartbeat of Nigerian creativity.”
