Capital importation into Nigeria has seen a significant increase in the last quarter of 2025. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, total capital importation stood at $6,443.48 million in Q4 2025. This figure is a 26.61 per cent increase from the $5,089.16 million recorded in Q4 2024. When compared to the preceding quarter, capital importation also increased by 7.13 per cent from $6,014.77 million in Q3 2025.
The largest portion of capital importation came from Portfolio Investment, accounting for 85.14 per cent of the total capital imported in Q4 2025. This was followed by Other Investment with 9.31 per cent and Foreign Direct Investment with 5.55 per cent. The banking sector recorded the highest inflow, with $3.850 million representing 59.75 per cent of the total capital imported in Q4 2025.
The report also revealed that capital from the United Kingdom ranked top, accounting for 57.94 per cent of the total capital imported. This was followed by the United States of America with 13.00 per cent and the Republic of South Africa with 8.02 per cent. Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC received the highest capital importation into Nigeria in Q4 2025, with $2.228 million accounting for 34.58 per cent.
The recent surge in capital importation into Nigeria is a welcome development, but it remains to be seen how this will translate into tangible economic benefits for Nigerians. The fact that the banking sector recorded the highest inflow is a clear indication that the sector is a key driver of economic growth in the country. However, the low percentage of Foreign Direct Investment is a cause for concern, as it may limit the potential for job creation and economic diversification. The Nigerian government must take concrete steps to create an enabling environment that will attract more Foreign Direct Investment and promote economic growth.
