Nigeria’s capital importation surged to $6.01 billion in the third quarter (Q3) of 2025, marking a 380.16 per cent increase compared to the $1.25 billion recorded in Q3 2024, according to the latest report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The figures were disclosed in the Nigeria Capital Importation Report (Q3 2025) published on the agency’s official website.
The report also showed a 17.46% quarter-on-quarter increase from $5.12 billion recorded in Q2 2025.
Portfolio investment dominated inflows, accounting for 80.7% ($4.85bn) of total capital, while other investments contributed $864.57m (14.37%), and foreign direct investment recorded $296.25m (4.93%).
The banking sector attracted the largest share of inflows at $3.14bn (52.25%), with Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited receiving the highest amount among financial institutions.
By country, the United Kingdom emerged as the top source of capital, contributing $2.94bn (48.8%), followed by the United States and South Africa.
The data, provided by the Central Bank of Nigeria, reflect fresh capital inflows into the economy, signaling improved investor confidence in Nigeria during the quarter.
Capital Inflows Rise 17% Quarter-on-Quarter
The report also showed that capital inflows increased by 17.46 per cent on a quarter-on-quarter basis, rising from $5.12 billion in Q2 2025 to $6.01 billion in Q3 2025.
According to the NBS:
“In Q3 2025, total capital importation into Nigeria stood at $6.01bn, higher than $1.25bn recorded in Q3 2024, indicating an increase of 380.16 per cent. In comparison to the preceding quarter, capital importation increased by 17.46 per cent from US$5.12bn in Q2 2025.”
Portfolio Investment Dominates Capital Inflows
A breakdown of the data showed that portfolio investment accounted for the bulk of capital imported during the quarter.
- Portfolio Investment: $4.85bn (80.70%)
- Other Investment: $864.57m (14.37%)
- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): $296.25m (4.93%)
Within portfolio investment:
- Money Market Instruments: $2.95bn
- Bonds: $1.58bn
- Equity Investment: $328.10m
Under FDI:
- Equity inflows: $281.61m
- Other capital: $14.64m
Banking Sector Attracts Over 52% of Inflows
Sectoral analysis revealed that the banking sector led capital inflows in Q3 2025.
- Banking: $3.14bn (52.25%)
- Financing sector: $1.86bn (30.85%)
- Production/Manufacturing: $261.35m (4.35%)
Other notable sectors included:
- Electrical – $244.86m
- Telecommunications – $208.51m
- Shares – $94.89m
- Trading – $80.94m
- Real estate – $61.07m
Lower inflows were recorded in:
- Agriculture – $24.67m
- IT services – $11.55m
- Transport – $5.23m
- Oil and gas – $4.60m
- Construction – $2.88m
Minimal inflows were reported in public administration and defence, brewing, marketing, arts and recreation, and health.
Banks That Received the Highest Capital Inflows
Among financial institutions, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited recorded the highest capital inflow:
- Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited: $2.12bn (35.17%)
- Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc: $1.79bn (29.75%)
- Citibank Nigeria Limited: $561.40m (9.33%)
Other banks included:
- Access Bank Plc: $385.03m
- Rand Merchant Bank: $306.92m
- Ecobank Nigeria Plc: $299.91m
- First Bank of Nigeria Plc: $254.29m
- Zenith Bank Plc: $94.89m
- Guaranty Trust Bank Plc: $80.12m
- Fidelity Bank Plc: $56.25m
Several other banks recorded smaller inflows, including UBA, Sterling Bank, FCMB, Union Bank, Titan Trust Bank, Polaris Bank, Wema Bank, Keystone Bank, and Providus Bank.
United Kingdom Tops Source of Capital
By country of origin, the United Kingdom emerged as the largest source of capital inflows into Nigeria in Q3 2025:
- United Kingdom: $2.94bn (48.80%)
- United States: $950.47m (15.80%)
- South Africa: $773.95m (12.87%)
- Mauritius: $451.46m
- Netherlands: $282.90m
Data Source and Methodology
The NBS stated that the data were supplied by the Central Bank of Nigeria and reflect fresh capital inflows reported by commercial banks. The figures exclude reinvested earnings and other components of foreign direct investment.
Trade Ministry Plans to Sustain Momentum in 2026
Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) has unveiled plans to deepen trade facilitation and strengthen policy execution in 2026 following the rebound in capital inflows and export performance.
According to the FMITI Outlook 2026, the ministry aims to consolidate reforms, boost exports, create jobs, and sustain economic growth.
What the 380% Jump Means for Nigeria’s Economy
The sharp rise in capital importation signals renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s financial markets, particularly in portfolio investments and banking.
However, analysts note that the relatively low share of foreign direct investment suggests that long-term productive investments still lag behind short-term capital flows.
All eyes will now be on whether the momentum can be sustained into 2026.
