The Expatriate Business Awards, TEBA 2026 has honoured foreign nationals who have invested in Nigeria, created jobs, and transferred skills across key sectors of the economy.
This has afforded Nigeria the opportunity to celebrate foreigners, expatriate investors and professionals, describing them as key partners in national development.
Speaking at the Expatriates Business Awards, TEBA 2026, held in Abuja on Thursday night where outstanding members of the expatriate community were honoured for their contributions to job creation, knowledge transfer and cultural exchange in the country, director of awards, Odunola Abayomi said the event was designed to recognise men and women who “crossed borders, embraced Nigeria, built businesses, created opportunities and in their own unique ways contributed to the growth and development of our great country.”
According to her, “Tonight is not just another evening of awards. It is an evening of recognition, appreciation, celebration and gratitude.
“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 when expatriate investors and professionals feel seen and valued, they are encouraged to expand their investments and do more for the country they have chosen to call home.
She added that the strong support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development show that TEBA 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 demonstrates that TEBA is not simply an awards ceremony,” she said.
The director expressed appreciation to the minister of foreign affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the minister of aviation and aerospace development, Festus Keyamo for backing the initiative.
She also gave special recognition to 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, describing them as “heroes behind the success of TEBA 2026.”
“Behind every successful event is a team who may not stand on the stage, but whose decisions and goodwill make the stage possible. The TEBA team says to you: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you,” she said.
Abayomi also appreciated the Nigerbird Engineering, NCAA, FAAN, NAMA, Xejet, NAHCO and KAS Prints, noting that their support reflects a belief “that Nigeria is stronger when it welcomes talent, investment, enterprise and culture from across the world.”
