In the fourth quarter of 2025, Nigeria reported total capital imports of $6.44 billion, up 26.61 percent from $5.09 billion in the same period in 2024.
The National Bureau of Statistics’ data, which was made public on Wednesday, also revealed that inflows increased by 7.13% from $6.01 billion in the third quarter of 2025, indicating a persistent improvement in foreign investment into the nation.
“Total capital importation into Nigeria stood at $6.44 billion in Q4 2025, higher than $5.09 billion recorded in Q4 2024, indicating an increase of 26.61 percent on an annual basis,” the report said.
“Capital importation rose by 7.13% from $6.01 billion in Q3 2025 compared to the previous quarter.”
An analysis of the statistics revealed that, at $5.49 billion, or 85.14 percent of the total, portfolio investments continued to be the largest source of inflows.
While other investments totaled $599.65 million, or 9.31 percent, foreign direct investment provided $357.80 million, or 5.55 percent.
Subsequent study revealed that bonds contributed $1.97 billion to portfolio inflows, while money market instruments accounted for $3.08 billion, demonstrating investors’ persistent preference for short-term and fixed-income assets.
According to sectoral distribution, the banking industry received $3.85 billion, or 59.75 percent, of all capital inflows, making it the sector that got the greatest proportion.
The production sector contributed $308.93 million, or 4.79 percent, and the financing industry came in second with $1.94 billion, or 30.15 percent.
The concentration of foreign investment in financial services is highlighted by the relatively modest inflows in other industries including telecommunications, agriculture, and oil and gas.
The UK was the top source of capital by nation of origin, accounting for $3.73 billion, or 57.94 percent, of all inflows.
South Africa provided $516.96 million, or 8.02 percent, and the United States gave $837.91 million, or 13.00 percent.
Mauritius and Belgium were also identified as important investment sources.
Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc led the banking sector in capital importation with $2.23 billion, or 34.58 percent of all inflows.
Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited ($1.85 billion, or 28.75 percent) and Citibank Nigeria Limited ($840.72 million, or 13.05 percent) came next.
Smaller percentages of inflows were reported by Access Bank Plc, Rand Merchant Bank, and First City Monument Bank.
Although the comparatively low level of foreign direct investment signals that long-term capital inflows into the real sector are still poor, the data indicates that investor sentiment regarding Nigeria’s financial markets is improving, particularly in short-term instruments.
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