March 25, (THEWILL) — Nigeria recorded a strong surge in foreign capital inflows in the fourth quarter of 2025, with total capital importation rising to $6.44 billion, reflecting renewed investor confidence in the country’s economy.
The latest Capital Importation report released on Wednesday by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that the figure represents a 26.61 per cent increase compared to $5.09 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2024.
On a quarter-on-quarter basis, inflows also rose by 7.13 per cent from $6.01 billion posted in Q3 2025, highlighting a steady upward trend.
According to the report, “In Q4 2025, total capital importation into Nigeria stood at $6,443.48 million, higher than $5,089.16 million recorded in Q4 2024, indicating an increase of 26.61% on a year-on-year basis. In comparison to the preceding quarter, capital importation increased by 7.13% from $6,014.77 million in Q3 2025.”
A breakdown of the data shows that portfolio investment remained the primary driver of inflows, accounting for $5.49 billion or 85.14 per cent of total capital imported during the quarter.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) contributed $357.80 million, representing 5.55 per cent, while other investments stood at $599.65 million or 9.31 per cent.
Further analysis indicates that money market instruments dominated portfolio inflows with $3.08 billion, while bonds accounted for $1.97 billion, underscoring sustained investor preference for short-term and fixed-income assets.
Sectoral distribution revealed that the banking sector attracted the largest share of foreign capital, receiving $3.85 billion, which represents 59.75 per cent of total inflows.
The financing sector followed with $1.94 billion or 30.15 per cent, while the production and manufacturing sector recorded $308.93 million, accounting for 4.79 per cent.
Although inflows into key real sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, telecommunications, and oil and gas remained relatively modest, the strong performance in financial services reflects improving liquidity conditions and growing confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.
In terms of origin, the United Kingdom emerged as the largest source of capital inflow, contributing $3.73 billion or 57.94 per cent of the total.
The United States followed with $837.91 million (13.00 per cent), while South Africa accounted for $516.96 million (8.02 per cent). Belgium and Mauritius also featured among the top contributors, reflecting Nigeria’s continued links with global financial hubs.
On the banking side, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc led the chart with $2.23 billion in capital importation, accounting for 34.58 per cent of total inflows.
It was followed by Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Ltd with $1.85 billion (28.75 per cent) and Citibank Nigeria Ltd with $840.72 million (13.05 per cent). Other banks, including Access Bank, Rand Merchant Bank, and First City Monument Bank, posted moderate inflows.
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