Nigeria’s portfolio investment rose by 45 per cent to $6.51 billion in the second quarter of 2026, from $4.49 billion in the preceding quarter, according to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The CBN’s Q2 2026 Statistical Bulletin showed that debt securities accounted for most of the increase, rising to $4.97 billion in June from $4.28 billion in March.
Equity and investment fund shares also recorded a marginal increase, from $1.53 billion to $1.54 billion over the same period.
The latest figure was higher than the $5.15 billion recorded in the second quarter of 2025, representing an increase of approximately 26.4 per cent year-on-year.
The data indicate that debt securities remained the dominant component of Nigeria’s portfolio investment during the period.
The increase comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to attract investment into the economy.
The government recently unveiled 65 investment projects requiring a combined $78.5 billion in capital, with the aim of attracting investors, creating jobs and accelerating economic growth.
In June 2026, the government also announced plans to establish a Nigeria Deal Room to convert investment opportunities into bankable transactions and address regulatory bottlenecks that could delay projects.
Meanwhile, the World Bank Group is working to mobilise up to $5.79 billion in private financing for Nigeria in the 2026 fiscal year, with the programmes expected to support about 850,000 direct and indirect jobs, according to an earlier report by Nairametrics.
Portfolio investment generally involves financial assets such as shares and debt securities, unlike foreign direct investment, which typically entails a lasting interest in a business.
Consequently, changes in portfolio investment reflect movements in financial-market holdings and investor demand for securities, while commitments for project financing represent a different category of capital.
Boluwatife Enome
Follow us on:
