Investment Migration Demand in Nigeria Soars by Over 1000%, Says Henley and Partners

Oru Leonard 

Recently, there has been a dramatic surge in the demand for alternative residence and citizenship programs among Nigerians.
Henley and Partners, a global leader in residence and citizenship by investment, has revealed that demand for its services in Nigeria has grown by over 1000% in just three years. This revelation was made during the 2024 Investment Migration West Africa Roadshow held in Abuja, where Nigerians were introduced to opportunities that could give them greater global mobility, access to better living standards, and business prospects abroad.

Speaking at the roadshow, Stuart Wakeling, Managing Partner for the UK at Henley and Partners, emphasized that Nigerians are increasingly looking for “Plan B” alternatives in a world that is becoming more unpredictable and volatile. According to Wakeling, the firm’s services are not just about helping people move abroad but also about offering security, better opportunities for families, and access to quality education and healthcare.

Wakeling explained that the demand for alternative or additional residence and citizenship has skyrocketed, as more Nigerians seek to diversify their options and secure a better future for themselves and their families. “We have seen a massive increase in interest from Nigerians who want the freedom to live, work, and travel across the world without being held back by visa restrictions or limited opportunities,” he said.

He added, “It’s not just about leaving Nigeria; it’s about expanding one’s horizons. Having an alternative citizenship or residency means having greater mobility, more business opportunities, and access to world-class education and healthcare systems.”

The Investment Migration West Africa Roadshow 2024 covered popular investment migration programs like the Portugal Golden Residence Permit, Greece Golden Visa Program, and Spain Residence by Investment Program, among others. These programs allow individuals to obtain residency or citizenship by making significant investments in the respective countries, such as in real estate or businesses. For many Nigerians, these programs offer a pathway to a better standard of living and a more secure future for their families.

Wakeling stressed the importance of having a “Plan B” in today’s world, especially for Nigerians who may be facing increasing uncertainties at home. “It is a very simple fact that nobody can choose where they are born—it’s your individual passport lottery,” he said. “The jurisdiction of our birth can be a blessing, but it can also be the little document that holds us back, or even keeps us in danger.”

He explained that Henley and Partners’ services provide Nigerians with the option to remain fully Nigerian while also gaining the benefits of a second residence or citizenship. “People want optionality without becoming any less Nigerian,” Wakeling added. “This is where we at Henley and Partners can help. We offer additional or alternative citizenship and residence in the world’s leading jurisdictions.”

Henley and Partners has established itself as the global leader in investment migration with over 25 years of experience in the industry. With more than 50 offices worldwide and a staff of over 400, the firm offers a range of programs to suit the needs of its clients. Wakeling noted that the company provides access to more than 45 residence and citizenship programs globally, more than any of its competitors.
“We are growing steadily because having a ‘Plan B’ residence or greater global mobility via an alternative citizenship, or even increased business and lifestyle opportunities, is now paramount in an increasingly fractured and volatile world,” he said. “Henley and Partners is proud to lead the way in this industry, providing unparalleled levels of options and client satisfaction.”

The world of investment migration is constantly evolving, with changes in costs and entry requirements for many programs. Wakeling pointed out that there have been significant developments in the industry, particularly in Europe and the Caribbean. “We witnessed a large increase in costs for the Caribbean this year. Lately, Portugal has removed its real estate entry point, Ireland has closed down, Montenegro closed down, and Malta has increased its prices, along with Greece and Turkey,” he explained.
These changes mean that Nigerians interested in investment migration need to stay informed and act quickly to take advantage of the best opportunities. “The landscape is changing, but it’s also becoming more dynamic. The demand for what we offer is consistently growing, and Nigerians need to be ready to seize these opportunities,” Wakeling advised.

One of the critical aspects of securing residency or citizenship through investment is choosing the right investment vehicle. At the roadshow, Carlo Paguio, Director of Sales and Strategy Partnerships at Hotel 101, one of Henley and Partners’ partners, spoke about the importance of selecting a reliable investment option. He explained that Hotel 101 provides a solid investment opportunity for Nigerians looking to gain residency through real estate or business investments.
“In order to get your residency, you need to choose an investment vehicle, and we are that investment vehicle that investors are choosing,” Paguio said. He highlighted how Hotel 101’s projects in key global locations offer Nigerians a chance to invest in the hospitality industry while also meeting the requirements for various residency programs.

For many Nigerians, the idea of investment migration may seem like a distant dream, but the opportunities presented at the roadshow showed that it is more accessible than ever before. The programs on offer provide not only a pathway to citizenship or residency but also a chance to invest in growing economies and secure a stable future.
The benefits of these programs are numerous. Investors gain access to world-class healthcare, education, and business opportunities. They can live in countries with higher standards of living and travel visa-free to a large number of destinations. Most importantly, they are securing a future for their families that is safe, stable, and full of opportunities.

Henley and Partners’ programs are designed to offer flexibility, allowing investors to choose the program that best suits their needs and goals. Whether it’s obtaining a Portuguese Golden Visa through real estate investment or securing Caribbean citizenship through a financial contribution, Nigerians have multiple options to consider.
As the demand for investment migration continues to grow in Nigeria, Henley and Partners is leading the way in helping Nigerians take advantage of these opportunities. With a strong focus on providing flexible and accessible programs, the firm is empowering individuals to gain greater global mobility, security, and financial stability.

For Nigerians who are ready to explore the world and secure a brighter future, investment migration offers a viable path forward. As Wakeling emphasized, “If you are interested in exploring what we do, you are indeed in good company.”