By Gloria Ikibah
Nigerians have been advised to look at investment migration as a means of securing foreign citizenship and accessing visa-free travel.
This was the highlight during an investment migration roadshow, organized by Henley and Partners, a global investment firm, held in Abuja.
The event was aimed to attract potential investors from Abuja, offering insights into financial investments in Europe, America, and the Caribbean, amd these investments according to the organisers can lead to permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship in those regions.
Managing partner of Henley and Partners, Stuart Wakeling, urged Nigerians to use investment migration to expand their opportunities, even as he explained that countries in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean have programs allowing foreign investors to obtain citizenship.
According to Wakeling, this would in turn, enable visa-free travel and provide financial benefits.
He said: “Investment migration offers Nigerians a way to secure their financial future while also gaining the ability to travel to multiple countries without the hassle of applying for visas.”
Naijablitznews.com reports that the roadshow which was specifically designed for high-net-worth individuals, presented various investment options in the U.S., Canada, Portugal, Spain, the UK, and the Caribbean. Panelists suggested that investing in these regions, starting at $800,000 or €500,000, could provide permanent residency in the short term and citizenship in the long term.
Wakeling noted that these programs are not just about obtaining a second passport, but also about protecting wealth, providing better healthcare, and improving educational opportunities.
“For business owners and entrepreneurs, a second passport opens up access to international markets and makes frequent business travel easier”, he noted
In his keynote address, Executive Vice President of Mercan, Mehdi Kadiri, emphasized Portugal’s attractive investment migration program.
Kadiri pointed out that by investing in real estate or businesses in Portugal, Nigerians could secure residency and eventually citizenship after five years.
“Portugal offers one of the best pathways for Nigerians looking for a secure, affordable, and reliable route to European citizenship,” Kadiri said.
Other speakers, such as legal consultant Soibhan Lloyd and Fatma Cayir, founder of Bridge & Partners Limited, highlighted the benefits of retaining Nigerian citizenship while enjoying the advantages of holding a European passport.
In addition to European opportunities, the Caribbean was presented as an attractive option for Nigerians seeking a more affordable route to global mobility.
According to Wakeling, “For Nigerians who may not have the substantial capital required for European investment migration programs, the Caribbean offers an excellent alternative. These programs provide citizenship within a few months, allowing investors to enjoy the benefits of global travel and business opportunities almost immediately.”
The event showcased diverse real estate and hospitality options, offering stable, long-term income while meeting requirements for residency and citizenship programs.
In a country like Nigeria, where economic and security challenges often drive people to seek new opportunities, investment migration provides a practical way to safeguard wealth, expand business networks, and secure a better future for families.
Chidinma Okebalama, Senior Consultant at Henley & Partners and moderator of the panel discussions, also urged Nigerians to act now.
“The world is changing rapidly, and those who take action now will be the ones who thrive in the future. Investment migration is not just about getting a second passport; it’s about securing your financial freedom and giving yourself the tools to succeed in an increasingly globalized world.”
As more Nigerians explore these opportunities, it’s clear that investment migration will play a significant role in the country’s future, offering new avenues for those willing to invest in global opportunities.