Nigeria attracted a total of $10.37 billion in capital importation during the first quarter of 2026. This figure represents a substantial 83.83% increase compared to the $5.64 billion recorded in the same period of 2025. Furthermore, capital inflows saw a 60.97% rise from the $6.44 billion recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025, indicating a renewed interest from foreign investors in Nigeria's financial markets.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that portfolio investment remained the dominant component of these inflows, accounting for $9.86 billion, which is 95.09% of the total. Other investments contributed $374.48 million (3.61%). In stark contrast, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) recorded the least, with $135.08 million, representing only 1.30% of the total capital importation in Q1 2026. This FDI figure also marked a decline from $357.80 million in Q4 2025.
Within portfolio investments, money market instruments attracted the largest share at $6.50 billion. Investments in bonds amounted to $3.23 billion, while equity investments under this category stood at $131.81 million. The banking sector emerged as the primary destination for foreign capital, attracting $7.55 billion, or 72.79% of total inflows. The financing sector followed with $2.43 billion (23.42%), and the production and manufacturing sector received $152.27 million (1.47%).
The United Kingdom was the largest source of capital, contributing $5.08 billion (49.01% of the total). The United States followed with $3.18 billion (30.69%), and South Africa accounted for $983.83 million (9.49%). Among financial institutions, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited received the highest capital inflow at $4.41 billion (42.56%), followed by Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc with $2.78 billion (26.79%).
The NBS noted that the capital importation data was compiled from information supplied by the Central Bank of Nigeria and captured fresh foreign capital reported by commercial banks, excluding components like reinvested earnings. The trend highlights a continued investor preference for short-term financial assets over long-term productive investments in the Nigerian economy.
