The United Kingdom emerged as the top source of capital inflows into Nigeria in the third quarter of 2025, contributing $2.94 billion, equivalent to 48.8 per cent of the total, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported.
Data from the NBS’s capital importation reports for Q2 and Q3 2025, shared on its official X handle on Monday, show that the United States was the second-largest contributor, providing $950.47 million (15.8 per cent), followed by South Africa with $773.95 million (12.87 per cent). Other notable inflows came from Mauritius at $451.46 million and the Netherlands at $282.90 million.
The NBS clarified that the figures, compiled from data by the Central Bank of Nigeria, reflect fresh capital entering the economy through commercial banks and exclude reinvested earnings and other components of foreign direct investment.
Analysts said the strong Q3 inflows reflect renewed confidence from foreign investors, particularly in short-term portfolio instruments such as government securities and money market funds. However, they noted that the relatively low proportion of foreign direct investment suggests that long-term, productive capital remains limited.
“The trend highlights Nigeria’s growing appeal to portfolio investors, but it also underscores the need for policies that attract sustained, long-term investment to drive economic growth,” one analyst said.
The report signals that while Nigeria continues to attract liquid capital from abroad, a more strategic approach will be required to channel investment into sectors that enhance productivity and job creation.
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