From Nigerian Roots to Global Heights.
Celebrating Nigerians abroad whose achievements inspire communities and make a lasting global impact.
Celebrating excellence. Recognising global impact.
Recognising Nigerians abroad who are redefining excellence, and inspiring the next generation to do the same.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Awards (NIDA) Gala is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the outstanding achievements of Nigerians living abroad across various fields. The event brings together members of the African diaspora, friends of Africa, and professionals from diverse industries.
- 26
- honourees recognised from 2023 to 2025
- 4
- editions in Paris, organised by FON Europe
- 150+
- distinguished Nigerians from across Europe at the inaugural ceremony in 2023
- 200+
- prominent Nigerians and friends of Nigeria at the second edition in 2024
A platform for global impact
Each NIDA gala brings together members of the African diaspora, friends of Africa and professionals from diverse industries for an evening of celebration, networking, culture and recognition.
Our mission
To inspire and motivate the upcoming generation within the global Nigerian community by showcasing the accomplishments of Nigerians in the diaspora.
Our vision
Nigerians In Diaspora Awards celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of Nigerians living abroad in a variety of professional sectors.
In attendance, 2023
The inaugural ceremony at L’Hôtel de l’Industrie drew notable guests, including:
- The Ambassador of the Permanent Delegation of Nigeria to UNESCO
- Officials from the Embassy of Nigeria in Paris
- The CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM)
- Representatives from the Lagos State Government
- A former member of the French Parliament
- Over 150 distinguished Nigerians from across Europe
Four categories.
One standard: excellence
From boardrooms and laboratories to stadiums, studios and public office, NIDA honours Nigerians abroad whose work makes a difference.
- Business AwardsCelebrating excellence in business and recognizing outstanding achievements in entrepreneurship and innovative startups.
- Entrepreneur of the Year
- Start-up of the Year
- Diaspora Impact AwardsCelebrating global excellence and recognizing individuals and organizations making a profound impact on their communities, industries, and the world at large, while showcasing the achievements of the diaspora community.
- Diaspora Champion
- Corporate Diaspora Support Award
- State Government Diaspora Support Award
- Professional AwardsHonoring professionals who have consistently demonstrated exceptional performance, dedication, and commitment to excellence.
- Young Professional of the Year
- Titan Professional of the Year
- Diaspora Award for Politics/Governance
- Sports & Creative Industries AwardsCelebrating excellence in sports and creativity. Recognizing outstanding achievements in sports, arts, culture, and creative industries.
- Sportsperson of the Year
- Curator of the Year
- Fashion Designer of the Year
- Journalist of the Year
- Upcoming Artiste of the Year
Meet the class of 2025
Ten Nigerians abroad recognised at the third NIDA gala in Paris, from engineering and academia to football, fashion, journalism, music and diplomacy.
Kehinde Salami
Male Professional of the Year (Under 40)
Kehinde Salami is a Nigerian–French industrial technical expert, specializes in asset management, maintenance strategy, and complex system dependability. He holds an Executive Master’s in Maintenance…
Red carpets, live performance and Nigerian pride
A festive experience with red carpet photo sessions, music, dance and showcases, served with gourmet three-course Nigerian dishes.
Photography from NIDA 2023, 2024 and 2025.View the gallery
Four editions in Paris
Since its inaugural ceremony in 2023, NIDA has gathered Nigerians and friends of Nigeria from across Europe each year.
“From Nigerian Roots to Global Heights”
Organised by Friends of Nigeria (FON) Europe
Friends of Nigeria (FON) Europe is a non-profit organization registered in France which is actively involved in promoting investment in Nigeria to French and European companies and investors as well as facilitating partnerships between French and European businesses and organizations and their Nigerian counterparts.
FON is also building the largest network of Nigerian professionals, entrepreneurs and high net worth individuals who are based in Europe, with members across France, Germany, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, and fast expanding to other countries.
- Website
- www.friendsofnigeria.net
- Head office
- 229 rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris
Our sponsors
Save the Date for NIDA 2027
NIDA 2027 is on the horizon. Its date, venue and call for nominations have not been announced yet. Join the mailing list and you will hear as soon as NIDA shares them.
- Date
- To be announced
- Venue
- To be announced
- Nominations
- To be announced
Get NIDA 2027 news by email
The date, the call for nominations and ticket information, once each is published.
The NIDA 2026 nomination deadline was 7 July 2026. How nominations work