Nigeria's foreign capital inflows have shown significant improvement in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics. The total capital importation for the period stood at $6.44bn, a 26.61 per cent increase from $5.09bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2024. This increase is also a 7.13 per cent rise from the $6.01bn recorded in the third quarter of 2025.

The data highlights that portfolio investment remains the dominant component of inflows, accounting for $5.49bn or 85.14 per cent of the total. Foreign Direct Investment contributed $357.80m, representing 5.55 per cent, while other investments stood at $599.65m or 9.31 per cent.

Further analysis indicates that the banking sector attracted the largest share of capital importation, receiving $3.85bn or 59.75 per cent of total inflows. The financing sector followed with $1.94bn, representing 30.15 per cent, while the production sector accounted for $308.93m or 4.79 per cent.

The United Kingdom emerged as the leading source of capital, contributing $3.73bn or 57.94 per cent of total inflows. The United States accounted for $837.91m, representing 13.00 per cent, while South Africa contributed $516.96m or 8.02 per cent.

On the banking side, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc led capital importation with $2.23bn, representing 34.58 per cent of total inflows. It was followed by Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited with $1.85bn or 28.75 per cent, and Citibank Nigeria Limited with $840.72m, accounting for 13.05 per cent.

💡 NaijaBuzz Take

The recent surge in foreign capital inflows is a welcome development for Nigeria's economy. However, the concentration of investment in the banking sector raises concerns about the country's economic diversification. The dominance of foreign investment in the banking sector may not necessarily translate to economic growth for the broader population. It is essential for the government to implement policies that promote investment in other sectors, such as agriculture and manufacturing, to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. The reliance on a few countries, particularly the United Kingdom, for capital inflows also highlights the need for Nigeria to diversify its foreign investment base.