Nnamdi Onwurah is among the newest citizens of Antigua & Barbuda. Originally from Nigeria, he now resides in the UK with his wife and daughters. A seasoned treasury professional, he has also explored opportunities in fintech and real estate development in his home country. On his recent trip to Antigua to swear allegiance and collect their new passports, The Citizen caught up with Nnamdi to learn more about his decision to become a citizen of the twin-island nation.
You studied geology at university – how did you end up in finance?
To be honest, I would say it was just providence. I really wanted to practice as a geologist and work out in the field (I love to travel), but there were not many opportunities at the time, and there were bills to pay. I therefore ended up as a destination inspection provider for Nigerian customs. I worked there for about two years and then moved to telecommunications. I was subsequently headhunted by a bank to become its service quality manager thanks to my experience in Telco. Through all of this, I was always good with numbers and enjoyed crunching them. So, when the opportunity came to join the treasury team as a research analyst, I jumped at it. I then moved into cashflow management, and the rest, as they say, is history.
What made you decide to get a second citizenship?
Like I said earlier, I have always loved travelling and exploring the world. That’s not very easy to do when you only possess a Nigerian passport because of the endless visa interviews and red tape, which is especially painful when you’re not an intending illegal immigrant. I read about Antigua’s CBI and then spoke to Abi Mansoor of Citizens International, who sold me on it.
“Antigua is set to become a global powerhouse and a nation that citizens of the world will be proud to reckon with.”
Why did you choose Antigua & Barbuda’s programme over others?
The process! It was thorough without being arduous, and I could also see that they went to great lengths to verify your legitimacy. This was important to me because I knew countries were growing more protective of their borders and who they let in. Case in point: I had some other friends go with a “faster”, cheaper and “easier to get CBI” rather than Antigua’s, which they all now regret because the country in question has had its visa-free access to certain nations revoked.
What advantages do you think Antigua & Barbuda citizenship offers your daughters?
For starters, they won’t face the same travel restrictions I initially did. They also hold a second citizenship in a nation that is on the rise and can decide to settle here if they want to in the future. Antigua is set to become a global powerhouse and a nation that citizens of the world will be proud to reckon with.
How was the application process for you?
Thorough. It could feel somewhat invasive at times, but when you think of the strength of the passport, the reasons for the full disclosure become apparent.
What advice would you give to someone considering Antigua & Barbuda citizenship?
This won’t last forever; hurry up and do it while you still can.
What were your first impressions of Antigua?
It’s beautiful and cleaner than many places I’ve been to, even in Europe. It is also peaceful, and the locals are very helpful and welcoming to foreigners.
What’s your favourite thing about the island?
The hills and the clear, beautiful waters!
Do you see yourself spending more time in Antigua going forward?
That’s definitely my plan. I can see myself establishing a stronger presence here in the future.