Nigeria’s capital importation surges 83.83% to $10.37bn in Q1 2026, driven by portfolio investment
By Aboki Forex —
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported that total capital importation into Nigeria hit $10.37 billion in the first quarter of 2026. That is an 83.83% jump compared to $5.64 billion recorded in the same period of 2025.
On a quarter-on-quarter basis, inflows rose 60.97% from $6.44 billion in Q4 2025.
Portfolio investment dominates, FDI slumps
Portfolio investment was the biggest component, accounting for $9.86 billion or 95.09% of total inflows. Other investment contributed $374.48 million (3.61%), while foreign direct investment (FDI) stood at just $135.08 million (1.30%).
FDI dropped sharply by 62.25% from $357.80 million in Q4 2025 to $135.08 million in Q1 2026. This signals a decline in long-term investor interest, according to reports.
Banking sector leads, UK tops source countries
The banking sector attracted the bulk of capital, pulling in $7.55 billion or 72.79% of total inflows. The financing sector followed with $2.42 billion (23.42%), and production/manufacturing received $152.27 million (1.47%).
The United Kingdom was the largest source of capital, contributing $5.08 billion or 49.01% of total inflows. The United States came second with $3.18 billion (30.69%), followed by South Africa with $983.83 million (9.49%).
Standard Chartered leads banks in capital inflows
Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited received the highest capital inflow among banks, at $4.41 billion or 42.56% of the total. Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc followed with $2.77 billion (26.79%), and Rand Merchant Bank got $930.82 million (8.97%).
Other banks with notable inflows include Citibank Nigeria Limited ($782.84 million), Access Bank Plc ($710.03 million), First Bank of Nigeria Plc ($274.74 million), Guaranty Trust Bank Plc ($107.11 million), and Zenith Bank Plc ($69.33 million).
Smaller inflows were recorded for First City Monument Bank, Ecobank Nigeria, Fidelity Bank, Optimus Bank, Union Bank, FSDH Merchant Bank, United Bank for Africa, Wema Bank, Sterling Bank, Signature Bank, Keystone Bank, ProvidusBank, Polaris Bank, Greenwich Merchant Bank, and Nova Merchant Bank.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) extended its bearish run as sustained profit-taking across banking, consumer goods, and insurance sectors dragged the market down by 0.35%.