Nigeria Attracts $10.37bn Capital Importation in Q1 2026 — NBS

Nigeria recorded a total capital importation of $10.37bn in the first quarter of 2026, representing an 83.83 per cent increase compared to $5.64bn in the same period of 2025, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The latest Capital Importation Report also showed a 60.97 per cent rise from $6.44bn recorded in Q4 2025, indicating renewed foreign investor participation in Nigeria’s economy.

According to the report, portfolio investment dominated inflows, accounting for $9.86bn or 95.09 per cent of total capital imported. Foreign direct investment stood at $135.08m, while other investments accounted for $374.48m.

The NBS noted that money market instruments attracted the largest share of portfolio inflows at $6.50bn, followed by bonds at $3.23bn, while equity investments accounted for $131.81m.

By sector, the banking industry emerged as the top destination for foreign capital, attracting $7.55bn, representing 72.79 per cent of total inflows. The financing sector followed with $2.43bn, while manufacturing received $152.27m.

The report further showed that the United Kingdom remained Nigeria’s largest source of capital, contributing $5.08bn or 49.01 per cent of total inflows. The United States followed with $3.18bn, while South Africa accounted for $983.83m.

Among financial institutions, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited facilitated the highest inflow at $4.41bn, followed by Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc with $2.78bn and Rand Merchant Bank with $930.82m.

The NBS stated that the data was compiled from information supplied by the Central Bank of Nigeria and reflected fresh foreign capital inflows, excluding some components of reinvested earnings.

The report highlights a strong rebound in capital inflows despite earlier concerns over declining foreign direct investment, which reportedly fell sharply earlier in the year.