BY JANE OBIOMA ( ABJ)—Nigeria’s total capital importation rose to $6.44 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025, reflecting a 26.61% increase from $5.09 billion recorded in the same period of 2024.
According to the latest report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), inflows also grew by 7.13% compared to $6.01 billion in the third quarter, pointing to a steady recovery in foreign investment.
Portfolio investment remained the dominant driver, accounting for $5.49 billion or 85% of total inflows, while Foreign Direct Investment lagged at $357.8 million, highlighting continued weakness in long-term investments.
Sectoral data showed the banking industry attracted the largest share of capital at $3.85 billion, underscoring investor preference for financial assets over the real sector.
By source, the United Kingdom led with $3.73 billion, followed by the United States and South Africa.
Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, and Citibank Nigeria were the top channels for inflows during the period.
A further breakdown shows that money market instruments accounted for the bulk of portfolio investments, reflecting sustained demand for short-term, liquid assets amid evolving market conditions.
Analysts say the dominance of portfolio flows suggests investors remain cautious, favouring instruments that offer quicker returns and flexibility over long-term commitments.
Despite the overall improvement in capital inflows, the relatively low level of foreign direct investment indicates that structural challenges continue to weigh on investor confidence in Nigeria’s real sector.
