66 Nigerians Obtain Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship With $6.6 Million Contribution
At least 66 Nigerian nationals acquired citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda between January and June 2024 by contributing over $6.6 million through the Caribbean nation’s Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) programme.
According to a report presented to the Antiguan Parliament on October 15, 2024, the Nigerians participated via the popular National Development Fund (NDF) route, which requires a minimum investment of $100,000. The report from the country’s Citizenship-by-Investment Unit (CIU) showed Nigeria as the third-highest source of applicants globally, behind China and the United States, and the top contributor from Africa.
The CIU recorded 739 approved applications across all nationalities—a 200% increase from the same period in 2023. The surge was attributed to growing geopolitical instability and an anticipated increase in investment thresholds.
In August 2024, the Gaston Browne administration raised the minimum NDF contribution for a family of four to $150,000. This adjustment prompted a rush of submissions before the new rate took effect, as wealth advisors confirmed many applicants secured approval letters at the older, lower rate.
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Nigeria’s prominence in the report highlights a growing trend among African high-net-worth individuals to seek second citizenship for travel mobility, security, and wealth preservation. Antigua’s passport grants visa-free access to over 150 countries, including the UK and Schengen Zone nations.
Most Nigerians preferred the NDF donation route over real estate or the University of the West Indies fund. The CIU noted that nine in ten applicants funneled their investments directly into public projects such as hurricane-resilient housing, a kidney dialysis center, and national debt relief.
Antiguan Minister of Tourism and Economic Development, Charles Fernandez, praised the program’s impact, stating that CBI funds are “critical to infrastructure and healthcare advancement.”
Launched in 2013, Antigua’s CBI program demands thorough due diligence checks, clean criminal records, and a five-day residency within five years of approval. The process also includes biometric passports and annual audits in line with EU and OECD transparency protocols.
As global uncertainties rise and citizenship mobility becomes a premium commodity, Nigeria’s elite appear increasingly eager to invest abroad in exchange for international opportunities.
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