Nigeria saw its capital inflows soar to $6.01 billion in the third quarter of 2025, a remarkable 380% increase from the $1.25 billion recorded in the same period last year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Surge In Capital Inflows
Moreover, the figure rose 17% from Q2 2025, signalling that foreign investors increasingly trust the Nigerian economy.
Portfolio investments drove the surge, contributing $4.85 billion—more than 80% of total inflows.
In addition, other investments added $865 million, while Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) contributed $296 million, showing cautious but steady long-term commitment.
Banking Leads The Way
Looking at sectors, the banking industry attracted the largest share, drawing $3.14 billion, over half of all inflows.
Meanwhile, the financing sector received $1.86 billion, and production and manufacturing captured $261 million.
These figures illustrate how investors focus on Nigeria’s financial system, particularly through portfolio-driven transactions.
Geographically, most inflows originated from three countries.
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The United Kingdom led, supplying $2.94 billion, followed by the United States with $950 million, and South Africa with $774 million.
Together, they accounted for the majority of foreign capital entering Nigeria during the quarter.
Investor Confidence Rises
At the institutional level, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria attracted $2.12 billion, followed by Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc with $1.79 billion, and Citibank Nigeria with $561 million.
Overall, foreign investors brought in $21 billion during the first ten months of 2025, reflecting a strong rebound in confidence.
Consequently, Minister Dr. Jumoke Oduwole highlighted the trend while defending the ministry’s 2026 budget, emphasising renewed trust in Nigeria as a destination for foreign capital.
Clearly, 2025 marked a year of resilience and optimism, as investors actively returned to Nigeria’s financial and strategic sectors.
