Category: Business Day

The Nigerian Railway Corporation says the online ticketing platform for the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service is now open for payment.

Callistus Unyimadu, Chief Public Relations Officer, NRC, said this in a statement on the corporation’s X handle on Tuesday

Umyimadu said that passengers were therefore encouraged to book their tickets online ahead of resumption on Wednesday, Oct. 1, via https://nrc.tps.ng or visit any of the designated stations to purchase their tickets.

According to him, in preparation for the resumption of services, the journey time has been reduced following a review of the Temporary Speed Restriction (TSR) to enhance operations. He added that the management of NRC appreciated the patience and understanding of its esteemed passengers during the suspension period.

He assured the public that safety, comfort, and customer satisfaction remained top priorities.

‘The new schedule is as follows: Abuja – Kaduna – Idu: 8:45 a.m., Kubwa, 9:10 a.m., Rigasa (Arrive), 11:47 a.m., Kaduna – Abuja: Rigasa, 2:30 p.m., Kubwa, 5:12 p.m., and Idu (Arrive), 5:32 p.m.

‘The NRC appreciates the patience and understanding of its esteemed passengers during the suspension period and assures the public that safety, comfort, and customer satisfaction remain our top priorities,’

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has confirmed that Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has paid the hefty sanction fee imposed on it earlier this year for repeated breaches of consumer protection regulations.

The Moroccan flag carrier, singled out as the worst offender among foreign airlines operating in Nigeria, had been issued a fine following incessant reports of short-landed baggage and a repeated pattern of silence in the face of passenger complaints. While the airline has since improved its responsiveness to aggrieved customers, the NCAA disclosed that baggage-related issues continue to affect its operations, raising concerns about the carrier’s commitment to service quality.

In a virtual meeting convened recently, the NCAA sought to understand the underlying challenges facing Royal Air Maroc, but the regulator warned that its patience is running out. Officials hinted that more sanctions could follow if the airline fails to urgently resolve the recurring baggage lapses. ‘Business dictates a change of strategy when current methods are not delivering results’.

The authority advised the airline to rethink its approach to baggage management if it wishes to maintain credibility with Nigerian travellers.

Nearly four out of ten ships owned by Nigerian interests are registered under foreign flags, according to new data from the United Nations.

The United Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in its Review of Maritime Transport 2025 report shows that 39 percent of Nigerian-owned vessels are flagged abroad rather than in Nigeria.

The practice, known as ‘flagging out,’ often reflects shipowners’ preference for foreign registries that offer lower taxes, cheaper registration fees, and more flexible regulations.

Nigeria has a total of 311 vessels with a combined carrying capacity of more than 9 million deadweight tons. Of this fleet, 228 vessels sail under the Nigerian flag, while 76 are registered abroad.

The figures place Nigeria among countries where a significant portion of shipowners avoid the national registry.

Open registries such as those of Liberia, Panama, and the Marshall Islands remain the most popular destinations for such vessels worldwide.

Researchers say the trend draws attention to the challenges facing Nigeria’s ship registry, which has struggled with competitiveness despite government efforts to attract more owners.

Nigeria’s shipping fleet is primarily shaped by its oil-driven economy. As of recent estimates, over 9o percent of Nigeria’s international trade is conducted via maritime transport, yet the country owns only a small fraction of the vessels operating in its waters.

The fleet is dominated by oil tankers and offshore support vessels (OSVs), which are essential for transporting crude oil and servicing offshore drilling platforms.

These include platform supply vessels, anchor handling tug supply vessels, and crew boats, most of which are foreign-owned and flagged, despite operating within Nigerian waters.

But Nigeria’s flag has seen modest growth. With an expanding role in liquefied natural gas exports and ambitions to become a regional maritime hub, its fleet is expanding.

The total capacity of ships under Nigeria’s flag grew by 4.9 percent between 2024 and 2025 and the number of vessels flying it reached 1,005 in 2025, equivalent to 0.9 per cent of the world’s total.

In capacity terms, those ships could carry just over 7 million tons, a 4.9 percent increase from the previous year. But measured against global shipping, Nigeria’s registered fleet accounts for only 0.3 per cent of carrying capacity and 0.6 per cent of total fleet value.

By ownership, Nigeria holds 0.7 per cent of the world fleet. That places it 32nd globally, a small but noteworthy presence for Africa’s largest economy.

Maritime trade volumes reached 12,720 million tons in 2024, growing by 2.2 percent according to Clarksons Research, even exceeding the 2013 to 2023 average of 1.8 percent.

In Africa, millions of people who form the backbone of the continent’s informal economy, street vendors, boda riders, small traders, and artisans remain locked out of traditional financial systems.

They are the ‘Every Day Earners,’ individuals working tirelessly to provide for their families. For many, smartphones, credit, or insurance have long been luxuries out of reach. But M-KOPA, an inclusive fintech that transforms traditional barriers into opportunities, is rewriting this narrative by making financial access not just possible, but affordable.

‘What matters most to us is how many people we’re actively serving every day, those who stay engaged with us over time. Our active customer number reached 3 million for the first time this year,’ said Jesse Moore, co-founder and CEO of M-KOPA.

‘When we ask customers, ‘Does M-KOPA make your life better?’ 9 out of 10 say yes. That’s a tangible and meaningful impact on millions of lives,’ Moore added.

According to the M-KOPA 2025 Impact Report, the company addresses a critical gap in Sub-Saharan Africa, where 60 percent of the population has internet coverage, but only 27 percent can afford to access it.

The report added that since 2020, M-KOPA has enabled 2.5 million first-time smartphone users, with 81 percent of women customers reporting they couldn’t afford a smartphone without M-KOPA.

‘For 55 percent of customers, M-KOPA represents their first access to any formal financial product, while 67 percent are accessing health insurance for the first time,’ it said.

Closing the financial inclusion gap

According to the World Bank’s 2025 Global Findex, 62 percent of adults in sub-Saharan Africa lack formal bank accounts, while 88 percent have never borrowed from a formal institution.

The challenge is that most financial systems are designed around salaried workers with steady incomes, rather than self-employed market traders or gig workers who often lack payslips or collateral.

M-KOPA has developed an inclusive model that breaks these barriers. With a small deposit, customers can access essential products like smartphones or electric motorbikes. They then repay in affordable daily instalments through M-KOPA’s digital platform without collateral or guarantors.

For most everyday earners, a smartphone is the first step into the digital economy. Yet affordability remains a major obstacle, as 67 percent of Africans do not own one.

The report added that M-KOPA’s smartphone financing has turned that barrier into a gateway. Nearly 80 percent of its customers report they could not have afforded a smartphone without M-KOPA.

‘Through its ‘More than a Phone’ platform, 70 percent of customers use their M-KOPA smartphone to generate income, and 59 percent report higher earnings since ownership,’ the report added.

Beyond voice calls and messaging, customers gain access to affordable data bundles, digital loans, device protection, and even health insurance.

Over the past year, M-KOPA has bundled more than 1 million hospitalisation insurance policies with smartphones, providing a safety net where previously 88 percent of adults were uninsured.

For entrepreneurs like Lydia, a Kenyan porridge seller, the impact report pointed out that this access was life-changing. Once limited by a $25 feature phone, she now uses her financed smartphone to market her food business online, secure small loans, and expand into a kiosk. Her income has risen by 300 percent, and she now employs others.

Unlocking credit for the first time

Daily device repayments not only give access to products but also build a credit history. For many, these are their first steps into formal finance.

In fact, the impact report disclosed that 38 percent of M-KOPA customers report that their digital loan through the platform was their first-ever formal loan.

Since its founding in 2010, the report disclosed that M-KOPA has served more than 7 million customers across Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, and South Africa, unlocking over $2 billion in credit.

‘In 2025 alone, 86 percent of customers surveyed said M-KOPA improved their quality of life, while 70 percent reported using their products for income generation,’ it said.

These loans range from working capital for micro-businesses to emergency cash support. Customers like Suliyat, a rice seller in Nigeria, have used M-KOPA loans to grow their businesses and avoid the exploitative lending practices that dominate informal markets.

Beyond Phones: Transport and Insurance

M-KOPA has also expanded into e-mobility, financing over 4,000 electric motorbikes across Kenya and beyond

For riders who depend on motorbikes to earn, e-mobility financing reduces fuel costs, boosts daily savings by an average of $5.62, and contributes to cleaner urban air.

‘Insurance, another pillar of financial resilience, is embedded seamlessly into M-KOPA’s model. Two-thirds of its customers accessed health insurance for the first time through the platform,’ it said.

For many women, this feature is a deciding factor in purchasing a phone. In Kenya, 40% of female customers reported choosing M-KOPA specifically for its bundled health coverage.

Bassey Otu, governor of Cross River State, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the judiciary as the state commenced the 2025/2026 Legal Year with a thanksgiving service at the Assemblies of God Church, Akim, Calabar.

Represented by Elvert Ayambem, speaker of the State House of Assembly, Otu described the thanksgiving as ‘sublime’ and praised the tradition of placing God at the center of judicial duties. He congratulated members of the Bar and Bench on the successful completion of the 2024/2025 legal year, commending their dedication, courage, and patriotism.

The governor, however, urged renewed focus on persistent challenges in justice delivery, particularly delayed trials, the over-reliance on punitive justice, and the need for continuous training of judicial officers. ‘Justice delayed is justice denied,’ he warned, stressing that prolonged detentions without speedy trials remain a grave disservice to humanity.

Otu advocated broader use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to ease prison congestion and promote restorative justice through community service, which he said would better rehabilitate offenders and reduce the burden on correctional facilities.

Announcing new reforms, the Governor disclosed that his administration had approved the construction of nine new courts across the state to decongest existing ones. He revealed that reconstruction of the fire-ravaged High Court in Ogoja is underway, SUVs have been distributed to judges to ease mobility, and a long-standing dispute with 30 magistrates has been amicably resolved with payment of their salaries and arrears.

He further outlined plans to renovate all court facilities in the state, adding that the government is considering either a full-scale renovation of the Judiciary Complex or the construction of a new multi-purpose hall. ‘The judiciary, as one arm of the tripod of governance, will continue to enjoy deserved attention under my watch,’ Otu assured.

In her address, Akon Ikpeme, chief judge of Cross River State, expressed appreciation to the Governor for his sustained support, particularly the provision of 20 vehicles to judges, including seven new ones distributed this September. She also acknowledged his commitment to improving court infrastructure and judicial welfare.

Justice Ikpeme highlighted milestones achieved under her tenure, including the appointment of 15 new judges since May 2021 and a remarkable 45% revenue increase above the 2024 target at the judiciary headquarters, an accomplishment she credited to staff dedication. She, however, appealed for further infrastructural upgrades, especially the renovation of magistrate courts and the construction of a larger ceremonial hall for official judicial sessions.

The thanksgiving service featured scripture readings, Choir ministrations, and intercessory prayers for a fruitful legal year. Delivering his exhortation titled ‘Gratitude to Jesus Christ Our Advocate’ (1 John 2:1; 1 John 3:8-9), the Calabar District Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church, Rev. Orok Nkebem, reminded the congregation that the law was not made for the righteous but for sinners, affirming Jesus as the ultimate advocate interceding for humanity.

Dignitaries at the service included the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ededem Ani, Esq.; Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Ijom Ukam; Special Adviser on General Duties, Ekpenyong Akiba; members of the Diplomatic Corps; Service Commanders; members of the Silk; senior lawyers; and other distinguished guests.

The thanksgiving precedes the formal court session at the Judiciary Headquarters, which will officially mark the beginning of the 2025/2026 Legal Year in Cross River State.

The U.S. State Department on Monday placed Brazil and South Africa on its human trafficking watch list, citing failures to show sufficient progress in combating forced labor and sex trafficking.

Both countries were downgraded to the Tier 2 Watch List in the department’s annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report. The ranking means they must demonstrate greater efforts against trafficking or risk possible U.S. sanctions.

The TIP report acknowledged ‘significant efforts’ by both governments but said results fell short.

For South Africa, the report cited the launch of the country’s first sub-provincial task team and more convictions of traffickers. However, it said the government identified fewer victims and initiated fewer prosecutions compared to previous years.

In Brazil, the report noted a decline in trafficking investigations, prosecutions, and initial convictions.

Downgrade deepens Trump’s rift with both countries

The downgrade comes amid heightened tensions between both countries and the Trump administration. President Donald Trump has accused South Africa of persecuting its white minority and has imposed tariffs, visa restrictions, and sanctions. Brazil has also faced tariffs and restrictions following the trial and conviction of former President Jair Bolsonaro, a close Trump ally.

‘Human trafficking is a horrific and devastating crime that also enriches transnational criminal organisations and immoral, anti-American regimes,’ Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement, though he did not comment on the specific country rankings.

The TIP report was released nearly three months late after most staff in the office that prepares it were laid off. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Michael Rigas told Congress that staffing in the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons had been reduced by 71% this year as part of wider cuts.

Democratic lawmakers earlier raised concerns about the delay. Unlike in previous years, no State Department officials were made available to brief reporters on the report.

Schneider Electric has announced two new reference designs developed in collaboration with NVIDIA, aimed at helping data center operators accelerate the deployment of AI-ready infrastructure while ensuring reliable power and advanced cooling.

The first release introduces what Schneider calls the industry’s first reference design integrating power management and liquid cooling controls, including Motivair by Schneider Electric technologies. The framework is built for interoperability with NVIDIA Mission Control, the company’s orchestration software for AI factory operations. By connecting operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) systems, the design provides a blueprint for seamless management of complex AI infrastructure.

The second focuses on NVIDIA GB300 NVL72-based clusters, supporting rack densities of up to 142 kilowatts per rack. The co-engineered design provides a framework covering facility power, cooling, IT space, and lifecycle software for high-density AI data halls. Available in both ANSI and IEC standards, it is tailored to support the next-generation NVIDIA Blackwell Ultra architecture.

Tackling AI’s infrastructure demands

As artificial intelligence workloads grow more intensive, data centers face pressure to deliver massive compute power without compromising efficiency or uptime. Schneider Electric said its new reference designs address those challenges by combining tested blueprints with ‘plug-and-play’ interoperability across critical systems.

‘Schneider Electric is streamlining the process of designing, deploying, and operating advanced AI infrastructure with its new reference designs,’ said Jim Simonelli, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Schneider Electric. ‘They are future-ready, scalable, and co-engineered with NVIDIA for real-world applications – enabling data center operators to keep pace with surging demand for AI.’

The controls reference design connects edge devices and facility systems across NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 and NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 deployments, using MQTT protocols to bridge OT and IT environments. According to Schneider, this allows operators to optimize uptime by monitoring power profiles, managing redundancy across cooling and power distribution, and feeding critical infrastructure data into digital twins and enterprise systems.

NVIDIA welcomed the move as part of a broader shift toward integrated data center design. ‘We are entering a new era of accelerated computing, where integrated intelligence across power, cooling and operations will redefine data center architectures,’ said Scott Wallace, Director of Data Center Engineering at NVIDIA. ‘With its latest controls reference design, Schneider Electric connects critical infrastructure data with NVIDIA Mission Control, delivering a rigorously validated blueprint that enables AI factory digital twins.’

Blueprint for AI Factories

The GB300 NVL72 reference design provides the foundation for AI factories powered by clusters of up to 1,152 GPUs. Using liquid-to-liquid coolant distribution units and high-temperature chillers, the design enables data centers to host multiple GB300 NVL72-based clusters while maintaining efficiency.

Schneider Electric also integrates its ETAP and EcoStruxure IT Design CFD models, enabling operators to simulate power and cooling scenarios before deployment. These digital twin capabilities are intended to reduce deployment risk and optimize performance for unique applications.

The latest announcement builds on nine previous AI reference designs Schneider has produced for scenarios ranging from prefabricated modules to retrofit data centers.

By providing proven, documented frameworks for power and cooling at AI scale, Schneider Electric and NVIDIA are seeking to ease one of the biggest bottlenecks facing data center operators: how to support the next wave of GPU-driven computing without sacrificing efficiency or resilience.

Nigeria’s healthcare system is facing a growing shortage of orthodontic specialists, leaving many patients without access to timely and affordable care. The concern was brought to the fore as the newly elected President of the Nigerian Association of Orthodontists (NAO), Idia Ize-Iyamu, pledged to confront the challenge head-on during her tenure.

Orthodontics, a branch of dentistry that deals with correcting irregularities of the teeth and jaws, has become an area of rising demand in the country. However, the number of trained orthodontists remains alarmingly low compared to Nigeria’s vast population of more than 200 million people. Experts say this shortage has created long waiting periods, high treatment costs, and a widening gap in access between urban and rural communities.

Ize-Iyamu, a professor of orthodontics and former dean at the University of Benin’s Faculty of Dentistry, said her administration will prioritise the training of more specialists. She stressed that access to quality orthodontic care should not be limited to the elite few who can afford treatment abroad or at expensive private clinics.

‘We cannot continue to run a system where less than 200 orthodontists are expected to serve millions of people across the country. This imbalance leaves many Nigerians untreated, especially children, whose conditions worsen with age,’ she said while addressing members of the association.

The shortage has far-reaching consequences. Malocclusion (poor alignment of teeth) is not merely a cosmetic issue, experts argue, but one that can affect speech, chewing, oral hygiene, and even self-esteem. In many cases, untreated dental problems in children lead to lifelong complications. Yet, with few orthodontists spread across major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, patients in smaller towns and rural communities often have no access at all.

The association says part of the problem lies in limited training opportunities. Orthodontics requires years of specialised postgraduate training, but Nigeria has only a handful of accredited programs. Even then, these programs admit a small number of candidates each year due to resource constraints.

According to the NAO, collaboration with government and universities is crucial to expand training capacity. Prof. Ize-Iyamu has also called on policymakers to invest in dental health infrastructure, provide incentives for young dentists to specialise in orthodontics, and create opportunities for continuous professional development.

Stakeholders note that brain drain is another serious challenge. Many young Nigerian dentists who receive specialised training abroad often remain overseas, where working conditions, pay, and research opportunities are more attractive. This exodus further depletes the pool of local specialists, compounding the crisis.

The situation has also fueled inequality in healthcare. Orthodontic treatment in private clinics can cost anywhere from ?500,000 to ?3 million depending on the severity of the case, a price far beyond the reach of average Nigerians. Without a strong public healthcare system to subsidise treatment, orthodontic care is becoming a privilege for the wealthy.

Parents like Mrs. Chinyere Nwosu in Enugu express frustration over the lack of affordable care. ‘My daughter has badly misaligned teeth. We were told she needs braces, but the cheapest we found was over ?700,000. It’s heartbreaking because we know it will affect her confidence, but we cannot afford it,’ she lamented.

Health experts argue that awareness is also a major barrier. Many Nigerians only seek orthodontic treatment when conditions become severe, often due to ignorance about early intervention. The NAO says public education campaigns will be scaled up to ensure parents know when to bring children for check-ups, ideally between ages seven and nine.

Ize-Iyamu noted that tackling the shortage requires a holistic approach combining training, policy, awareness, and international collaboration. She expressed optimism that with the right partnerships, Nigeria can build a stronger orthodontic workforce.

Her election as NAO president has been described by colleagues as timely, given her experience in both academia and practice. Supporters believe her leadership could mark a turning point for orthodontic care in Nigeria.

‘Nigeria has the talent, the passion, and the patient demand. What we need is investment, planning, and commitment. Orthodontic care should not be a luxury it should be a standard part of our healthcare system,’ she concluded.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has at its meeting held on Tuesday, pursuant to its powers under the Constitution approved the dissolution of the Akwa State Executive of the party.

Consequently, the NWC approved the composition of a 31-member caretaker committee to run the affairs of the Akwa Ibom State Chapter from Tuesday, September 30th, 2025 for a period not exceeding three months, or until such a time a new State Executive Committee would be elected in the State.

BusinessDay reports that the members of the Akwa Ibom State PDP Caretaker Committee, including Igwat Umoren, Chairman; Harrison Ekpo, Deputy Chairman; Borono Bassey, Secretary; and Ewa Okpo, a Lawyer, as the Publicity Secretary. Others include Emman Mbong, Organising Secretary; Aniekan Asuquo, Youth Leader; Mary Silvia Abara, Woman Leader; Enoch Enoch, a Lawyer as Legal Adviser.

Also appointed are Aniebiet Cornelius, Member; Udim Peters, Member; Ayanime Obot, Member; Ofon Michael, Member; Esther Bassey Effiong, Member; David Umanah, Member; Usenmfon Ibanga, Member; and Unwana Assam, Member; among others.

Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, who made the announcement in a statement made available to the media, called ‘on all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our Party in Akwa Ibom State to remain united and continue to work together for the progress of the Party.’

BusinessDay fruther reports that since Governor Umo Eno defected from PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in June, 2025 the party has been unable to assert itself as an opposition party in Akwa Ibom State.

Nigeria and the Caribbean nation of St. Kitts and Nevis recently entered into a reciprocal visa-free travel agreement, allowing citizens of both countries to visit each other for up to 90 days without the need for a visa.

This arrangement, which came into effect in this September 2025, marks the first time Nigeria has extended such privileges to a country outside Africa.

The agreement is widely seen as a strategic move to deepen ties between Africa and the Caribbean, with implications for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. Entry requirements and travel implications

The visa waiver follows a series of high-level engagements between President Bola Tinubu and Terrance Drew, prime minister of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Their meetings held earlier this year in Abuja and later in Saint Lucia, laid the groundwork for broader cooperation with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean states

The waiver applies to holders of ordinary, official, and diplomatic passports, although travellers are still required to meet standard entry conditions. These include presenting a valid passport, proof of onward or return travel, and completing arrival documentation upon entry.

Travel information to St. Kitts and Nevis

Getting a flight to St. Kitts and Nevis from Nigeria can be challenging for Nigerian passport holders, as it typically requires two or three layovers or stopovers in Europe that necessitate Schengen visas, or a layover in North America that requires transit visas.

Also, direct flights between Nigeria and St. Kitts and Nevis are rare.

However, a recent charter flight from Abuja to Basseterre marked a historic milestone, establishing the first direct air link between West Africa and the Caribbean nation.

Air Peace also made headlines in June this year with a 10-hour non-stop flight earlier this year, signalling growing interest in bridging the two regions.

For those planning on visiting St. Kitts and Nevis (SKN), here’s what you need to know:

St. Kitts and Nevis uses the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$ or XCD), pegged at a fixed rate to the USD. As of today, 1 EC$ is around N549.

Flights from Lagos (LOS) to Basseterre (SKB) averages $1,175-$1,852 (about N1.8m-N2.9m at current rates), depending on the season and airline.

For a single person, the monthly expenses are around EC$3,500-5,000 (around N1.9m-2.8m), covering rent, food, and basics.

Cultural exchange and shared celebrations Travellers from Nigeria can consider visiting St. Kitts in December and January during the Sugar Mas carnival, while Nevis can be visited in late July for Culturama.

These festivals, are similar to Nigeria’s own cultural events such as the Calabar Carnival and the Osun-Osogbo Festival, and involve music, dance and masquerade. The best time to visit the islands is during the dry season, which runs from December to April, coinciding with peak tourist activity and major cultural events.

Citizenship, residency and long-stay options

For Nigerians considering longer-term opportunities, St. Kitts and Nevis has a popular and established Citizenship by Investment programme.

This scheme allows individuals to obtain citizenship through financial contributions to government-approved projects or real estate investments.

When you acquire citizenship under the St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship program, you and your family enjoy full citizenship for life, which can be passed on to future generations by descent.

Applicants can include a spouse, children under 26, and parents aged 55 and over, as well as to add dependents after citizenship has been granted to the main applicant.

St. Kitts and Nevis is a member of the Commonwealth, which entitles its citizens to certain privileges in the UK and other Commonwealth countries

There is no minimum stay required.

Requirements

To qualify for citizenship, the main applicant must be over 18 years of age, meet the application requirements, and select one of the following options:

Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)

A non-refundable contribution of $250,000 to SISC for an applicant and up to three qualifying dependents

$50,000 for each additional qualifying dependent over 18

$25,000 for each additional qualifying dependent under 18

A minimum non-refundable contribution of $250,000 to a public benefit unit in an Approved Public Benefit Project

The purchase of real estate with a minimum value of $325,000 from an approved real estate development, or a minimum of $325,000 for a condominium unit or $600,000 for a single-family private dwelling. The real estate purchased under both options can be resold after seven years under certain conditions