At least 66 Nigerians obtained citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda between January and June 2024, contributing over $6.6 million to the island nation’s treasury through its Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) programme, new data reveals.
According to a report from Antigua & Barbuda’s Citizenship-by-Investment Unit (CIU), Nigeria ranked as the third-largest source of applicants globally, behind China and the United States.
The report, presented to Antigua’s Parliament in October 2024, recorded a 200% increase in approved applications compared to the previous year.
Most Nigerian applicants opted for the $100,000 National Development Fund (NDF) contribution, which channels money directly into public projects. Nine out of ten Nigerians chose this route, favouring it over real estate or university investment options.
Antiguan Minister of Tourism, Investment, and Economic Development, Charles Fernandez, said the funds collected from the programme have been used to finance hurricane-resilient housing, a national kidney dialysis unit, and debt reduction efforts.
“These contributions help strengthen our infrastructure and provide essential services to our people,” Fernandez said.
The surge in applications is partly due to geopolitical uncertainties and an impending fee hike. In August 2024, Antigua increased the NDF minimum contribution from $100,000 to $150,000 for a family of four, prompting many to apply early and lock in the lower fee.
The Citizenship-by-Investment Programme, launched in 2013, requires applicants to pass due diligence checks, have a clean criminal record, and commit to one of four investment options.
Successful applicants must also reside in Antigua for at least five days within the first five years.
For Nigerian applicants, who are typically entrepreneurs or senior professionals, the Antiguan passport offers significant travel freedom, including visa-free access to 150 countries, such as those in the Schengen area and the United Kingdom.
This programme continues to attract investors looking for greater mobility and secure investment opportunities abroad.
