Capital inflows into Nigeria surged by 88.5 percent year-on-year (YoY) to $23.21 billion in 2025, up from $12.31 billion in 2024, signaling stronger foreign investor confidence amid foreign exchange market liberalisation and high portfolio investment.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Capital Importation Report for 2025 showed that capital inflows stood at $5.64 billion in Q1 2025, declined slightly by 9.2 percent to $5.12 billion in Q2, then rose by 17.4 percent to $6.01 billion in Q3, and further increased by 7.15 percent to $6.44 billion in Q4.
According to the NBS report: Q4 2025 capital importation was $6.44 billion, up 26.61 percent from $5.09 billion in Q4 2024.
Portfolio investment dominated with $5.49 billion (85.14% of total), followed by Other Investment at $599.65 million (9.31%) and Foreign Direct Investment at $357.80 million (5.55%).
By sector, the Banking sector received the largest inflow with $3.85 billion (59.75%), followed by the Financing sector at $1.94 billion (30.15%) and the Production/Manufacturing sector at $308.93 million (4.79%).
By country of origin, the UK contributed $3.73 billion (57.94%), the US $837.91 million (13%), and South Africa $516.96 million (8.02%).
By recipient bank, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc led with $2.23 billion (34.58%), followed by Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Ltd with $1.85 billion (28.75%) and CitiBank Nigeria Ltd with $840.72 million (13.05%).
The NBS analysis highlights sustained investor interest in Nigeria’s capital markets and reflects confidence in the country’s economic reforms and liberalised financial environment.
(Vanguard)
