Capital inflows into Nigeria rose sharply by 88.5 per cent year-on-year to $23.21 billion in 2025, compared to $12.31 billion recorded in 2024, indicating renewed foreign investor confidence driven by foreign exchange market liberalisation and increased portfolio investment activity.
According to data released in the Capital Importation Report for 2025 by the National Bureau of Statistics, capital inflows stood at $5.64 billion in the first quarter of 2025. This figure declined slightly by 9.2 per cent to $5.12 billion in the second quarter before rising by 17.4 per cent to $6.01 billion in the third quarter. The upward trend continued into the fourth quarter, where inflows increased by 7.15 per cent to $6.44 billion.
The report further stated: Q4 2025 capital importation was $6.44 billion, up 26.61 per cent from $5.09 billion in Q4 2024.
Portfolio investment accounted for the largest share of inflows during the period, amounting to $5.49 billion or 85.14 per cent of the total. This was followed by Other Investment, which stood at $599.65 million representing 9.31 per cent, while Foreign Direct Investment contributed $357.80 million, accounting for 5.55 per cent.
Sectoral analysis showed that the banking sector attracted the highest inflow at $3.85 billion, representing 59.75 percent of the total. The financing sector followed with $1.94 billion or 30.15 percent, while the production and manufacturing sector recorded $308.93 million, accounting for 4.79 percent.
In terms of country of origin, the United Kingdom emerged as the largest source of capital inflows, contributing $3.73 billion or 57.94 percent. The United States followed with $837.91 million representing 13 percent, while South Africa accounted for $516.96 million or 8.02 percent.
Analysis by recipient banks showed that Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc recorded the highest inflow at $2.23 billion, representing 34.58 percent of the total. Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Ltd followed with $1.85 billion or 28.75 percent, while CitiBank Nigeria Ltd received $840.72 million, accounting for 13.05 percent.
The NBS analysis highlights sustained investor interest in Nigeria’s capital markets and reflects growing confidence in the country’s ongoing economic reforms and liberalised financial environment.
