By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says Nigeria recorded total capital importation of $6.44 billion in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2025.
According to data released by the NBS on Wednesday, the figure represents a 26.61 per cent increase from the $5.09 billion recorded in Q4 2024.
The bureau also stated that inflows rose by 7.13 per cent compared to $6.01 billion recorded in the third quarter (Q3) of 2025.
The report stated: “In Q4 2025, total capital importation into Nigeria stood at $6.44 billion, higher than $5.09 billion recorded in Q4 2024, indicating an increase of 26.61 per cent on a year-on-year basis.
“In comparison to the preceding quarter, capital importation increased by 7.13 per cent from $6.01 billion in Q3 2025.”
A breakdown of the data showed that portfolio investment remained the dominant component of inflows, accounting for $5.49 billion, or 85.14 per cent of the total capital importation.
The data further showed that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) contributed $357.80 million, representing 5.55 per cent, while other investments stood at $599.65 million or 9.31 per cent.
Further analysis revealed that money market instruments accounted for $3.08 billion of portfolio inflows, while bonds contributed $1.97 billion, showing continued investor preference for short-term and fixed-income assets.
An analysis by sectoral distribution indicated that the banking sector attracted the largest share of capital importation, receiving $3.85 billion, or 59.75 per cent of total inflows.
It was followed by the financing sector, which recorded $1.94 billion in inflows, representing 30.15 per cent, while the production sector accounted for $308.93 million, or 4.79 per cent.
Other sectors, such as telecommunications, agriculture, and oil and gas, recorded comparatively lower inflows.
By country of origin, the United Kingdom emerged as the leading source of capital, contributing $3.73 billion, or 57.94 per cent of total inflows.
The United States accounted for $837.91 million, representing 13 per cent, while South Africa contributed $516.96 million, or 8 per cent.
Other countries on the list of key sources of investment include Belgium and Mauritius.
On the banking side, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc took the lead, recording $2.23 billion worth of capital importation, representing 34.58 per cent of total inflows.
Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited followed with $1.85 billion, or 28.75 per cent, while Citibank Nigeria Limited recorded $840.72 million, accounting for 13.05 per cent.
