Nigeria recorded a significant uptick in foreign capital inflows in the final quarter of 2025, with total importation rising to $6.44 billion, according to the latest report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The report shows that capital importation increased by 26.61 percent compared to the $5.09 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2024, while also posting a 7.13 percent rise from the $6.01 billion recorded in the third quarter of 2025. This sustained growth underscores renewed investor interest in Africa’s largest economy despite ongoing macroeconomic challenges.
A breakdown of the data reveals that portfolio investment remained the dominant driver of inflows, accounting for $5.49 billion, or 85.14 percent of total capital imported during the quarter. Other investments contributed $599.65 million, representing 9.31 percent, while foreign direct investment lagged at $357.80 million, accounting for just 5.55 percent of total inflows.
Sectoral analysis indicates that the banking sector attracted the largest share of capital, drawing in $3.85 billion, which represents 59.75 percent of total inflows. This was followed by the financing sector with $1.94 billion, while the production and manufacturing sector accounted for a modest $308.93 million.
The report also highlights the dominance of the United Kingdom as Nigeria’s top source of foreign capital, contributing $3.73 billion, or 57.94 percent of total inflows. The United States followed with $837.91 million, while South Africa accounted for $516.96 million during the period.
Among financial institutions, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc emerged as the leading channel for capital importation, receiving $2.23 billion, representing 34.58 percent of total inflows. Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria and Citibank Nigeria also recorded significant volumes, further reflecting the central role of the banking sector in facilitating foreign investments.
The data, compiled by the Central Bank of Nigeria and reported by the NBS, captures fresh capital inflows into the economy through the banking system, excluding reinvested earnings and other components of foreign direct investment.
While the increase in capital inflows signals improved investor sentiment, the heavy reliance on portfolio investments—often considered volatile—continues to raise concerns about the sustainability of Nigeria’s capital inflow structure. Analysts say stronger performance in foreign direct investment will be critical to driving long-term economic stability, job creation, and industrial growth.
