The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported that total capital importation into Nigeria reached $10.37 billion in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026.
The figure, released in the Nigeria Capital Importation Q1 2026 report, represents an 83.83 percent increase compared to the $5.64 billion recorded in Q1 2025. Quarter-on-quarter, capital inflows rose by 60.97 percent from $6.44 billion in Q4 2025.
The report highlights that the largest share of capital inflows came from Portfolio Investments, which totaled $9.86 billion, accounting for 95.09 percent of total capital imported in Q1 2026. Other Investments contributed $374.48 million (3.61 percent), while Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) recorded the least at $135.08 million (1.30 percent).
Sector-wise, the banking sector received the highest inflows with $7.55 billion (72.79 percent), followed by the financing sector at $2.43 billion (23.42 percent), and the production/manufacturing sector at $152.27 million (1.47 percent).
By country of origin, capital from the United Kingdom led with $5.08 billion (49.01 percent), followed by the United States with $3.18 billion (30.69 percent), and South Africa at $983.83 million (9.49 percent).
Regarding financial institutions, Standard Chartered Bank received the highest share of capital importation at $4.41 billion (42.56 percent), followed by Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc at $2.78 billion (26.79 percent), and Rand Merchant Bank at $930.82 million (8.97 percent).
The NBS report underscores Nigeria’s growing attractiveness for foreign investors, particularly in the banking and portfolio investment sectors, signaling optimism for the nation’s economic outlook.
