Why Nigerians Buy Foreign Citizenship

Fuelled by the pursuit of personal growth, career success and better living standards, more Nigerians are turning to citizenship by investment as their ticket to stronger passports and a world of new opportunities.

Written by Eunice Shaibu

Dec 1, 2024

Photo illustration by Ezinne Osueke / THE REPUBLIC. Ref: Travel with a Pen / Amarachi Ekekwe.

As at 2024, the Nigerian passport is currently ranked on the Henley passport index at 94 out of 105 countries and 32nd in Africa. The Nigerian passport only provides visa-free access to 45 destinations (29 visa-free entry, 15 visa-on-arrival countries, and 1 electronic travel authorization destination). Other destinations require a visa with stringent conditions, meaning that global mobility for Nigerians is restricted or unduly tedious. As Nigerians struggle with the limitations of their passport, other African nations fare better in global mobility rankings. For instance, the Seychelles passport ranks 26th globally, offering access to over 156 countries. Similarly, South Africa and Ghana rank 53rd and 75th, providing access to 108 and 68 countries, respectively. Ghana, though geographically closer to Nigeria, offers access to more destinations. This disparity highlights why Citizenship By Investment (CBI) programmes are appealing to Nigerians, as they offer improved global mobility, economic opportunities and security—things the Nigerian passport alone does not provide.

CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT AND ITS HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Citizenship is a status legally granted to an individual by a state, enabling them to enjoy the privileges and responsibilities that come with it. CBI or economic citizenship programmes allow individuals to legally acquire citizenship or residency rights in another country by making a financial contribution or investment, often through real estate, in the CBI host nation. These programmes grant citizenship status without causing major disruptions to an investor’s life, provided they undergo thorough investigation, pass rigorous scrutiny, make a qualifying investment and present all the necessary paperwork.

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About the Author

Eunice Shaibu

is a writer based in Lagos. She is a finalist of the AFCFTA Inaugural African Youth Essay Competition.

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