Expatriates who have contributed to Nigeria’s economic development through investment, job creation, youth empowerment and skills transfer have been recognised at the 2026 Expatriates Business Awards (TEBA) in Abuja.
The event which took place on Thursday night brought together members of the diplomatic community, government representatives, business leaders and other dignitaries, celebrated foreign nationals and organisations that have made significant contributions to Nigeria’s growth.
Speaking at the ceremony, Director of Awards, TEBA, Odunola Abayomi, said the initiative was established to recognise expatriates who had embraced Nigeria, established businesses, created employment and promoted knowledge and cultural exchange.
She said the awardees were selected based on their contributions to the country, noting that they had “crossed borders, embraced Nigeria, built businesses, created jobs, transferred knowledge and promoted culture.”
Abayomi described TEBA 2026 as an evening of “recognition, appreciation, celebration and gratitude,” stressing that the ceremony was designed to celebrate the positive impact of the expatriate community on the Nigerian economy.
“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,” she said.
According to her, the awards were particularly focused on expatriates contributing to youth entrepreneurship, employment generation and skills development.
She added, “Nigeria is stronger when it welcomes talent, investment, enterprise and culture from across the world.”
Abayomi further said TEBA was not merely an awards ceremony, but also an avenue for strengthening relationships between Nigeria and the international community.
“Foreign Affairs represents Nigeria’s gateway to the world. It is where diplomacy is cultivated and bridges are built between nations,” she said.
She expressed appreciation to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dr. Dunoma Ahmed, and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Manu Kambari, for their support towards the success of the programme.
She also acknowledged the ministers of both ministries for their leadership and support, as well as the various corporate organisations and agencies that partnered with the awards.
Among the organisations recognised and appreciated at the ceremony were Nigerburg Engineering, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), XEJETS, NAHCO, NACO and KAS Prints.
The organisers said the awards would continue to provide a platform for recognising expatriates whose investments and partnerships are contributing to enterprise development, employment creation, knowledge transfer and stronger economic ties between Nigeria and the international community.
