Immigration and business development experts have encouraged Nigerian entrepreneurs to explore structured startup programmes in Europe as a legal pathway for expanding their businesses and accessing international markets.
The call was made during a business engagement in Lagos, where representatives of O&J Capital, Iworld, and Mirsatori outlined opportunities available in countries such as Spain and France through entrepreneur-focused residency and business establishment programmes.
According to the promoters, the programmes are designed to attract innovative business ideas supported by relevant government institutions, including Spain’s National Innovation Company (ENISA) and authorities under France’s Ministry of Economy, enabling qualified entrepreneurs to establish businesses while contributing to local economic development.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of O&J Capital, Johnson Anorh, urged Nigerian entrepreneurs to embrace legitimate channels for entering European markets and expanding their commercial operations abroad.
He noted that many business owners encounter challenges such as trust issues, financial guarantees, and bureaucratic hurdles when seeking to establish a presence overseas.
“Expanding abroad often presents hurdles, particularly regarding trust, guarantees, and navigating bureaucratic language barriers,” Anorh said.
He explained that firms involved in the initiative work with Nigerian entrepreneurs by providing legal, corporate, and business support aimed at helping them establish sustainable operations in Europe.
According to him, the programmes offer entrepreneurs opportunities to protect their investments and build long-term business footprints across European countries.
The promoters also highlighted opportunities available through startup initiatives in Spain and France, stating that their expertise would help prospective entrepreneurs establish companies, access new markets, and leverage business opportunities in both countries.
Also speaking, Head of Migration Department at Mirsatori, Maksin Mayer Nikitin, said the collaboration seeks to connect Nigerian entrepreneurs with European markets through startup-based programmes, tailored business proposals, and professional immigration support services.
He explained that participants would receive guidance on the legal and regulatory requirements involved in setting up businesses in Spain and France.
Nikitin noted that sectors such as agriculture, information technology, construction, and logistics offer significant opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs seeking to establish operations in the two European countries.
“The partnership is to guide Nigerian business owners through the legal and regulatory requirements for establishing operations in Spain and France respectively,” he said.
On his part, General Manager of Iworld, Arturs Janis Plepsis, described startup-driven residency programmes as an effective route for entrepreneurs seeking lawful entry into Europe while contributing to local economies.
He stressed that the initiative is not a citizenship-by-investment programme but rather a structured business and residency pathway designed to support qualified entrepreneurs.
“The initiative does not involve purchasing citizenship but focuses on providing professional guidance for applicants seeking lawful entry and opportunities to establish businesses in Spain and France,” Plepsis said.
The promoters expressed confidence that the initiative would strengthen business ties between Nigerian entrepreneurs and European markets while creating new opportunities for growth and international expansion.
