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Global mobility drives economic expansion, not capital flight — Optiva Capital boss
By Babajide Komolafe
The Chairman, Optiva Capital Partners, Mr. Franklin Nechi, has dismissed concerns that rising migration among Nigerians amounts to capital flight, insisting instead that global mobility fuels economic expansion and strengthens domestic resilience.
Speaking during a media interaction in Lagos, the Optiva Capital boss argued that the growing appetite for residency and second citizenship is driven primarily by the search for better opportunities, quality healthcare and stable education not an attempt to drain Nigeria’s resources.
“The world is now a global village. Business is no longer local. Nigerians are competing globally, and they must position themselves accordingly,” he said.
According to him, remittances from Nigerians abroad have continued to play a critical role in sustaining the economy, often providing lifelines to families and supporting investments in housing, education and small businesses.
He noted that funds earned overseas frequently return home through property acquisition, enterprise development and family support, thereby expanding rather than shrinking the local economic base.
Citing rising visa restrictions and increasing scrutiny of applicants, he urged families to treat global mobility as an integral part of wealth planning. “Start early, stay compliant and diversify access. The winners are not the fastest movers, but the most prepared,” he stated.
He further called on policymakers to strengthen local institutions, stressing that improvements in healthcare, education and economic stability would naturally reduce outward pressure.
While acknowledging concerns over brain drain, he maintained that structured migration, if properly managed, enhances human capital, boosts foreign exchange inflows and improves global competitiveness.
“Global mobility is not capital flight. It is capital expansion for individuals and for the nation,” he added.
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