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Wealthy Nigerians Invested $1 Billion in Citizenship Overseas in 2020 Alone

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Wealthy Nigerians are Buying Foreign Citizenship at an Alarming Rate

The total amount spent on acquiring foreign citizenship by wealthy Nigerians in 2020 has been estimated at $1 billion, according to a number of citizenship advisory firms.

One of the world’s largest citizenship advisory firms, Henley and Partners, said applications from wealthy Nigerians jumped by 185 percent in the eight months to September 2020, making applications from Africa’s most populous nation the second-largest after Indians.

Paddy Blewer, the head of marketing, Henley and Partners, said more than 1,000 Nigerians have inquired about citizenship of another nation through the company this year alone, saying “is unheard of. We’ve never had this many people contacting us”.

St Kitts and Nevis CitizenshipDespite the cost of citizenship by investment costing almost $1 million, wealthy Nigerians like Dapo, interviewed by Aljazeera, said it is a backup plan for getting out of Nigeria at any time.

He said “I have Maltese citizenship. I can leave for there any time.” Maltese citizenship he acquired at a minimum investment of 800,000 euros or $947,180 through the Malta Citizenship by Investment Programme.

Another wealthy Nigerian, that preferred to be called Bimpe, said she has three passports, one Nigerian passport, which she said she really never uses and the two others from Caribbean nations: St Kitts and Nevis and Grenada have been her saving grace as she can now travel between London and New York for business as St Kitts and Nevis passport, which cost her US$400,000 in real estate investment programme, allows visa-free travel through the UK and Europe.

Bimpe, who has now retired in Abuja, with three adult sons said she wants her kids to have the same opportunities to live and travel the world without restrictions imposed on a Nigerian passport.

She said “My kids were interested in visa-free travel. They are young graduates, wanting to explore the world. So that was the reason for my investment.

She spent US$300,000 on investment in the Six Senses La Sagesse hotel to acquire the Grenada passport, which she bought in 2015 through a proper development group advertised across Nigerian top websites by Range Developments.

Range Developments has been running adverts on BusinessDay for several months this year, and as at the moment, the company has extended the adverts (sponsored posts) to ThisDay Newspaper and Nairametrics.

Grenada CitizenshipMohammed Asaria, the Founder and Managing Director, Range Developments, said Nigeria is a huge market for his business given its growing population which he estimated at just under 300 million.

He said “We have between high single figures and low double-digit sales of hotel units on a monthly basis to Nigerians. The average investment is just under $300,000,” says Asaria. “It’s a big market for us. And it’s going to get bigger. There are 300 million people [in Nigeria].

Knight Frank Wealth Report puts the total number of Nigerian millionaires, the supposed potential customers, for the golden visas at about 40,000.

Nestor Alfred, CEO of the St Lucia Citizenship-by-Investment Unit, said St Lucia, has seen a surge in the number of Nigerian applications in 2020. “It’s more than it’s ever been over the past four years.

Is the CEO/Founder of Investors King Limited. A proven foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and many more. He has over two decades of experience in global financial markets.

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Merger and Acquisition

Bitmama Inc. Acquires Payday, Expanding Fintech Footprint in Nigeria

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Nigeria’s blockchain payments platform Bitmama Inc. has successfully acquired Payday, a virtual card service provider.

The acquisition, facilitated through Bitmama’s cross-border payments product, Changera, signals a pivotal shift in the industry and consolidated the blockchain payment platform by acquiring 100% of Payday’s customer base.

Launched in 2021, Changera is set to absorb key personnel from Payday, spanning various departments like marketing, customer service, and engineering.

While specific details of the financial terms remain undisclosed, a source close to the matter revealed that the acquisition process is approximately “85% complete.”

For the over 300,000 customers formerly under Payday’s purview, the transition to Changera’s care promises a seamless experience, with minimal noticeable changes.

Despite Payday CEO Favour Ori’s integration into Bitmama’s team remaining uncertain, Changera is well-positioned with an established leadership and a robust technical team.

A senior member of Bitmama’s management assured that Payday’s brand will persist but will now operate under the broader umbrella of Changera, supported by its stablecoin infrastructure.

This integration aims to address operational challenges faced by Payday, such as industry-wide charge-back fraud, disruptions in Mastercard services, and the departure of senior team members.

Post-acquisition, Bitmama plans to embark on an ambitious roadmap, including the development of a new solution enhancing foreign exchange (FX) transactions for African businesses.

Anticipated for launch in Q1 2024, this solution aims to facilitate smoother and more efficient B2B cross-border financial interactions.

The acquisition of Payday by Bitmama aligns with the broader trend of strategic consolidations within the fintech industry, reflecting a pattern where companies seek partnerships and acquisitions to overcome market challenges and scale operations.

This move mirrors similar strategic consolidations, including the acquisition of Chaka by Risevest in September 2023, underscoring the industry’s drive towards collaborative growth.

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How Much is Dollar to Naira Today December 5th 2023 in Black Market

What is the Dollar to Naira exchange rate at the parallel market, known as the black market (Abokifx) today? As of December 5th, 2023, the dollar to naira exchange rate is 1 USD to 1170 NGN at the black market.

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What is the Dollar to Naira exchange rate at the parallel market, known as the black market (Abokifx) today? As of December 5th, 2023, the dollar to naira exchange rate is 1 USD to 1170 NGN at the black market.

This means that for every one US dollar, you can exchange it for ₦1170, Investors King reports.

This digital business news platform has obtained the official dollar to naira exchange rate in Nigeria today including the Black Market rates, Bureau De Change (BDC) rate, and CBN rates.

How Much is Dollar to Naira Today in the Black Market?

This rate is subject to change depending on a variety of factors including global economic trends, political developments, and market fluctuations. However, you can buy and sell 1 USD at ₦1170 and ₦1165 as of the time of writing today.

What is the current exchange rate of the dollar to naira in the black market today?

According to Investors King, as of the time this report was filed, a dollar can be purchased at the Lagos parallel market (black market) for ₦1170 and sold for ₦1165.

Exchange Rate of Dollar To Naira in Black Market Today?

Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Selling Rate 1165
Buying Rate 1170

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Naira Exchange Rates for Banks

Investors King understands that although the dollar to naira opened at N1170 per $1 in the parallel market today, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not acknowledge the parallel market, also referred to as the black market. The CBN has instructed individuals in need of forex to approach their bank as the I&E window is the sole recognized exchange.

On Tuesday, December 5th, 2023, individuals in the black market purchased one US dollar for N1170 and sold it for N1165. This shows that the value of the Naira declined when compared to Friday, December 1st, 2023 when the local currency was exchanged at N1155 to a Dollar and a Dollar was purchased at N1150.

To stay informed about the dollar to naira exchange rate, there are several reliable sources that you can turn to. Here are some tips for staying up-to-date:

  • Check the Central Bank of Nigeria’s website: The CBN is responsible for regulating the country’s monetary policy and is a reliable source for the latest exchange rates. You can check their website regularly for updates.
  • Follow financial news outlets: Financial news outlets such as Investors King, Bloomberg, Reuters, and CNBC provide regular updates on the global currency markets, including the dollar to naira exchange rate.
  • Use online currency converters: There are a number of online currency converters that allow you to quickly and easily check the exchange rate between the dollar and the naira.
  • Follow social media accounts of financial experts: Following social media accounts of financial experts such as analysts, economists, and financial advisors can give you valuable insights into the latest trends in the currency markets.

By staying informed about the dollar-to-naira exchange rate, you can make informed decisions when buying or selling foreign currencies. Whether you are a business owner looking to trade in foreign currencies or an individual looking to invest in the currency markets, knowledge of the latest exchange rates is key to success. Keep these tips in mind and stay informed about the latest trends in the global currency markets.

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Merger and Acquisition

Oppenheimer Acquires Full Control of Nigeria’s GZ Industries in Bet on Economic Revival

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GZ Industries Limited

Jonathan Oppenheimer, scion of South African billionaire Nicky Oppenheimer, has secured full ownership of Nigeria’s largest beverage can manufacturer, GZ Industries Ltd.

Oppenheimer Partners Ltd. concluded the acquisition of the remaining shares from Affirma Capital, formerly known as Standard Chartered Private Equity.

While financial details were not disclosed, the private equity firm previously held a 37.5% stake in GZ Industries, a major supplier of cans to global brands such as Coca-Cola.

The move positions Jonathan Oppenheimer to play a pivotal role in shaping GZI’s growth trajectory in sub-Saharan Africa.

With urban, educated adults in the region leading global sugary drink consumption with 12.4 servings per week, GZI’s strategic importance in meeting this demand is underscored.

Oppenheimer Partners initially invested in GZI in 2018, coinciding with the establishment of a factory in South Africa, where the company now commands a 20% market share.

GZI, a producer of 3 billion aluminum cans annually in Africa, competes with Nampak Ltd., which is currently undergoing restructuring efforts.

Affirma Capital’s exit from GZI aligns with its broader investment strategy in Africa, having invested in 11 companies since 2008, with eight successful exits returning over $800 million to investors.

Jonathan Oppenheimer, part of the wealthy Oppenheimer family, inherits a substantial role in GZ Industries, further diversifying the family’s portfolio, which amassed significant wealth through the 2012 sale of their stake in De Beers for about $5 billion.

The family’s combined net worth is estimated at $9.4 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

As Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu outlines ambitious spending plans for 2024, the acquisition positions GZI strategically in a potentially thriving economic landscape.

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