The TEBA Foundation for Humanity, a non-governmental organisation, has lauded the significant contributions of expatriates to Nigeria’s economic development, particularly in boosting the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
To further encourage and appreciate these foreign contributors, regardless of their countries of origin, the foundation has unveiled The Expatriates Business Awards (TEBA)—an initiative aimed at recognising outstanding expatriates who have established businesses, created employment, and contributed meaningfully to the Nigerian economy.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony held in Lagos on Thursday, Miss Odunola Abayomi, Director of Awards at TEBA Foundation, explained that the initiative, powered by Pun Communications Ltd, is dedicated to celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of successful foreign individuals, groups, and corporate firms who have made Nigeria their home.
“These awardees have evolved their lives to contribute to the country’s business landscape over the years,” she said. “The awards are a testament and celebration of Nigeria’s multifarious business people.”
Abayomi stressed that the foundation is currently conducting rigorous public opinion polls, carrying out detailed research, and reviewing nominations from the general public, all to ensure a transparent and credible selection process.
“Unlike many conventional award platforms that focus predominantly on Nigerian nationals and enterprises, The Expatriates Business Awards—a fully trademarked initiative—is uniquely designed to recognize those who, though not born of this soil, have chosen to plant seeds here and watch them flourish,” she said.
“Nigeria is not just a nation—it is a welcoming hub of opportunities and enterprise. And within this hub are men and women from diverse countries and cultures who have dared to dream, dared to invest, and dared to grow—right here on Nigerian soil. They have built businesses, created jobs, and contributed immensely to our GDP. It is only fitting that we pause to say, ‘Thank you. We see you. We celebrate you.’”
The awards span multiple categories, including: Expatriate Man of the Year, Expatriate Entrepreneur of the Year, Expatriate Woman of the Year, Expatriate CEO of the Year, Expatriate Product of the Year, Auto Company of the Year, Multinational Oil Firm of the Year, and Construction Firm of the Year.
Other categories include Aviation Safety Champion of the Year, Aviation Technology Pioneer Award, Electronics Company of the Year, Expatriate Restaurant of the Year, CSR Brand of the Year, Employment Friendly Expatriate Firm of the Year, Expatriate Financial Institution of the Year, Crossover Musician of the Year, Expatriate Revelation of the Year, and Special Recognitions, among others.
Also speaking at the event, Irene Samuel, Head of Marketing Communications at Aero Contractors—one of the major sponsors of the awards—highlighted the airline’s commitment to diversity and cultural inclusivity.
“As a cultural ambassador that encourages diversity, Aero Contractors supports TEBA Foundation in recognizing worthy persons who have contributed to the growth of the nation,” she said. “When you evaluate the Nigerian economy, you will find out that they contribute something to the GDP of this country. So, we can’t just let them go unknown or without appreciating their contributions.”
She described the partnership as a unique opportunity for the airline to appreciate expatriates who live and work in Nigeria, and who generate employment opportunities for Nigerians.
The maiden edition of The Expatriates Business Awards was held in Lagos in 2020.