Nigeria Records 67.12% Surge in Capital Importation Year -on-Year

Nigeria Records 67% Surge in Capital Importation in Q1 2025.

Nigeria witnessed a significant boost in capital importation in the first quarter of 2025, recording a 67.12% year-on-year increase, according to the latest data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The NBS report, titled “Nigeria Capital Importation Q1 2025”, revealed that the total capital inflow rose to $5.64 billion in Q1 2025, up from $3.38 billion in the same period in 2024.

When compared to the previous quarter (Q4 2024), capital importation also saw a quarter-on-quarter increase of 10.86%, rising from $5.09 billion.

A breakdown of the data shows that Portfolio Investment accounted for the bulk of capital imported, totaling $5.20 billion. This was followed by Other Investments at $311.17 million, while Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) remained relatively low at $126.29 million.

In terms of sectors, the banking industry attracted the highest capital inflow with $3.13 billion, representing 55.44% of the total. This was trailed by the financing sector with $2.10 billion (37.18%), and the production/manufacturing sector with $129.92 million (2.30%).

The United Kingdom emerged as the leading source of capital inflow, contributing $3.68 billion, which represents 65.26% of total capital imported. South Africa followed with $501.29 million (8.88%), while Mauritius accounted for $394.51 million (6.99%).

Among the five states that attracted foreign capital in Q1 2025, Abuja (FCT) led the pack with $3.05 billion, accounting for 54.11% of total inflows. Lagos State followed closely with $2.56 billion (45.44%). Other states included Ogun ($7.95 million), Oyo ($7.81 million), and Kaduna ($4.06 million).

In terms of financial institutions, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Ltd received the highest capital inflow with $2.10 billion. It was followed by Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC with $1.40 billion and Citibank Nigeria Limited with $1.05 billion.

There is a Promising Outlook for Nigeria’s Investment Climate

The sharp rise in capital importation signals renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s economy, particularly in its banking and financial services sectors. While portfolio investments continue to dominate, the modest growth in other forms of capital inflow suggests room for diversification and deeper structural investments. As the country works toward stabilizing its macroeconomic environment, enhancing regulatory transparency, and improving ease of doing business, this upward trend could serve as a catalyst for long-term economic growth and sustainable development.