Victor Ezeja
AdminNigeria and South Africa have emerged tops in the list of African countries whose nationals are seeking residence and citizenship in foreign countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
Prime Business Africa reports that this is as the Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT patrol team intercepted 11 young Nigerians who stowed away aboard GWANGZHOU Highway PANAMA ship en route Ghana.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelFollowing their interception around 7pm on Tuesday, the Western Regional Control Centre (WRCC) was immediately informed, leading to the vessel being prompted to halt within Lagos anchorage.
According to the latest report published by Hanley and Partners, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt and Algeria were among the top 20 nationalities in investment migration.
While other countries on the list include Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco and Uganda, South Africa and Nigeria topped the list of countries seeking these applications in 2022.
The countries were said to have recorded a significant increase in interest in foreign passports, with a 46 per cent spike in enquiries in the third quarter of last year.
The report also reveals that African countries have maintained an upward trajectory in global investment and market growth, following a 23 per cent increase in enquiries in 2022.
While this upward trajectory showcases the decline in the economy landscape of a country like Nigeria, investment migration can lead to scarce capital exportation from Nigeria to the host country for investment, further weakening the availability of capital in the country.
The report, according to experts, is an indication that African countries, Nigeria in particular, are not regarded as an investment destination for African investors. This perception means it will be more difficult for countries to attract foreign direct investment.
Speaking on the latest trend, Client Advisor at Henley & Partners UK, Weyinmi Oritsejafor explained that, “Africa’s wealthiest countries have the highest number of applicants on the continent for residence and citizenship by investment programs.
READ ALSO: Navy Arrests Four Stowaways In Lagos
“This gives credence to the fact that affluent African investors are looking to protect their wealth but also significantly enhance their prosperity, enabling them to leave a greater legacy for future generations.”
As per what is responsible for this appetite for Second Citizenship, Henley & Partners believes that a substantial portion of African investors and individuals are motivated by the necessity to secure more potent passports.
“This dual benefit not only eases their travel but also provides them with entry to a larger segment of the global economy via visa-free access,” the report said.
Unfortunately, Nigerian passport holders can access only 44 out of 226 destinations worldwide with visa-free or visa-on-arrival options, covering about 1.5 per cent of the global economy.
“Improving your economic mobility and accessing a higher share of global GDP matters because it leads to greater financial freedoms that facilitate conducting business and international banking and investment, as well as entrepreneurial opportunities.
“Greater visa-free access to more stable economies can also mitigate country- or jurisdiction-specific risk,” Oritsejafor observed.
Back to the intercepted stowaways, the Base Information Officer of the Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT, H.A Collins, disclosed in a statement on Thursday, that four stowaways were earlier apprehended from the stern of the vessel.
He added that information obtained from the individuals revealed the presence of seven other stowaways inside the ship.
“Following a comprehensive search, an astonishing seven more stowaways were uncovered within the ship, bringing the total to 11 stowaways who were promptly disembarked from the vessel and taken into custody,” the statement read.
According to Collins, the stowaways have been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in accordance with the established protocols.
The apprehended individuals were identified by the Navy as follows:
1. Shedrack David, 19yrs from Ondo State.
2. Emmanuel Godbless, 30yrs from Delta State.
3. Ibrahim Hassan, 30yrs from Adamawa State.
4. Solomon Francis, 21yrs from Ondo State.
5. Bolaji Johnson, 28yrs from Ondo State.
6. Samsom Aimy, 37yrs from Bayelsa State.
7. Ayefuwei Collins, 27yrs from Delta State.
8. Ayo Gula, 28 yrs from Delta State.
9. Jolomi Daniel, 23yrs from Ondo State.
10. Abubakar Ibrahim, 19yrs from Zamfara State and
11. Precious Uwalogho, 30yrs from Delta State.
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