Nigeria’s total capital importation rose sharply to $6.44 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025, reflecting renewed investor interest in Africa’s largest economy, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Data released by the statistics agency on Wednesday showed that capital inflows increased by 26.61 percent year-on-year, compared to $5.08 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2024. Capital importation refers to the inflow of foreign funds used to support investment, trade, and industrial activities within the country.
The NBS said, “In Q4 2025, total capital importation into Nigeria stood at $6,443.48 million, higher than $5,089.16 million recorded in Q4 2024, indicating an increase of 26.61% on a year on year basis.”
On a quarter-on-quarter basis, inflows also recorded a moderate increase. “In comparison to the preceding quarter, capital importation increased by 7.13% from $6,014.77 million in Q3 2025,” the bureau added.
A breakdown of the data showed that foreign portfolio investment (FPI) remained the dominant driver of inflows, accounting for $5.48 billion, or 85.14 percent of total capital importation. Other investments contributed $599.65 million, representing 9.31 percent, while foreign direct investment (FDI) accounted for $357.8 million, or 5.55 percent.
Sectoral analysis indicated that the banking industry attracted the largest share of inflows during the period, significantly outpacing other sectors.
“The banking sector recorded the highest inflow with $3,850.14 million, representing 59.75% of total capital imported in Q4 2025, followed by the Financing sector, valued at $1,942.44 million (30.15%), and the Production/Manufacturing sector with $308.93 million (4.79%),” the NBS said.
In terms of capital origin, the United Kingdom emerged as the leading source of investment into Nigeria during the quarter.
“Capital Importation during the reference period originated largely from the United Kingdom with $3,733.37 million, representing 57.94% of the total capital imported. This was followed by the United States with $837.91 million (13.00%) and the Republic of South Africa with $516.96 million (8.02%),” the report stated.
Among financial institutions, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc recorded the highest capital inflow, receiving $2.22 billion, which represents 34.58 percent of the total. It was followed by Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Ltd with $1.85 billion (28.75 percent), and Citibank Nigeria Ltd, which accounted for $840.72 million (13.05 percent).
Boluwatife Enome
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