Nigeria’s total capital importation soared to $5.64 billion in the first quarter of 2025, marking a significant 67.12% increase compared to the $3.38 billion recorded in the same period last year.
The growth was disclosed in the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Q1 2025 Capital Importation Report made available to newsmen on Tuesday.
The report also showed an increase of 10.86% in capital inflows from the preceding quarter, rising from $5.09 billion in Q4 2024 to $5.64 billion in Q1 2025.
According to the report, portfolio investments dominated the inflows, accounting for 92.25% of the total with $5.20 billion, followed by Other Investments at $311.17 million (5.52%). Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) recorded the smallest share, totaling $126.29 million or 2.24% of the total capital imported during the quarter.
Sector-wise, the banking industry attracted the largest portion of capital at $3.13 billion (55.44%), followed by the financing sector with $2.10 billion (37.18%). The production and manufacturing sector received $129.92 million, representing 2.30% of the total capital importation.
The United Kingdom was the leading source of capital, contributing $3.68 billion or 65.26% of inflows. This was followed by South Africa with $501.29 million (8.88%) and Mauritius with $394.51 million (6.99%).
Among Nigerian states, Abuja (FCT) remained the top beneficiary, receiving $3.05 billion (54.11%), closely followed by Lagos State with $2.56 billion (45.44%). Ogun, Oyo, and Kaduna states recorded minor inflows of $7.95 million, $7.81 million, and $4.06 million respectively.
In terms of financial institutions, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Ltd led capital receipts with $2.10 billion (37.29%), trailed by Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc with $1.40 billion (24.78%) and Citibank Nigeria Limited with $1.05 billion (18.66%).
The robust rise in capital importation in Q1 2025 highlights growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s financial markets, particularly in portfolio investments channeled through banking and financing sectors.
