Total capital importation into Nigeria surged to $6.01 billion in the third quarter of 2025, representing a 380.16% increase compared to $1.25 billion recorded in the same period of 2024.
This is according to the latest report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The figure also reflects a 17.46% rise from $5.12 billion recorded in the second quarter of 2025, indicating sustained investor interest in the Nigerian economy during the period.
Portfolio investment accounted for the bulk of inflows at $4.85 billion, representing 80.70% of total capital importation. Other investments contributed $864.57 million or 14.37%, while Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) recorded the lowest inflow at $296.25 million, representing 4.93%.
Sectoral analysis shows that the banking industry received the largest share of capital inflows, attracting $3.14 billion or 52.25% of total importation during the quarter.
The financing sector followed with $1.86 billion, representing 30.85%, while the production and manufacturing sector recorded $261.35 million, accounting for 4.35% of total inflows.
The dominance of the banking sector highlights continued foreign investor interest in Nigeria’s financial system, particularly in portfolio-driven transactions.
The NBS data also shows that capital inflows during the period originated largely from the United Kingdom, which contributed $2.94 billion or 48.80% of total capital imported.
The United States followed with $950.47 million (15.80%), while South Africa accounted for $773.95 million or 12.87%.
These three countries collectively accounted for the majority of foreign capital entering Nigeria in the third quarter of 2025.
Among financial institutions, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited received the highest capital inflow at $2.12 billion, representing 35.17% of the total.
It was followed by Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc with $1.79 billion (29.75%), and Citibank Nigeria Limited with $561.40 million (9.33%).
