Nigeria’s Capital Importation Hits $10.37 Billion in Q1 2026, Up 83.83%
By Aboki Forex —
Nigeria recorded $10.37 billion in capital importation in the first quarter of 2026. That is an 83.83 per cent jump compared to the $5.64 billion received in the same period of 2025.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released the data in its latest Capital Importation Report on Wednesday. Foreign capital inflows also rose by 60.97 per cent from the $6.44 billion recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The NBS said the increase reflects stronger investor participation in Nigeria’s financial markets during the quarter.
Portfolio investment dominates inflows
Portfolio investment accounted for $9.86 billion, or 95.09 per cent of total inflows. Other investments came in at $374.48 million, representing 3.61 per cent. Foreign direct investment (FDI) stood at $135.08 million, or 1.30 per cent.
Within portfolio investment, money market instruments attracted the highest inflows at $6.50 billion. Bonds totalled $3.23 billion, while equity investments were $131.81 million. Investors clearly favoured fixed-income instruments over equities.
Banking sector attracts largest share
The banking sector received $7.55 billion, or 72.79 per cent of total capital imported. The financing sector followed with $2.43 billion, or 23.42 per cent. Production and manufacturing got $152.27 million, or 1.47 per cent.
Other sectors that attracted foreign investments included agriculture, telecommunications, information technology services, oil and gas, healthcare, construction, education, consultancy services, transport, trading and shares.
United Kingdom leads source countries
The United Kingdom was the top source of capital inflows, contributing $5.08 billion, or 49.01 per cent of the total. The United States came next with $3.18 billion, or 30.69 per cent. South Africa added $983.83 million, or 9.49 per cent.
Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited handled the largest share of capital importation. The bank processed $4.41 billion, or 42.56 per cent of total inflows. Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc followed with $2.78 billion, or 26.79 per cent. Rand Merchant Bank facilitated $930.82 million, or 8.97 per cent.
Other banks that processed foreign capital inflows included Access Bank, Citibank Nigeria, First Bank of Nigeria, Guaranty Trust Bank, Zenith Bank, FCMB, Ecobank, Fidelity Bank and United Bank for Africa.
The NBS said it compiled the data using information from the Central Bank of Nigeria and reports from commercial banks on fresh foreign capital brought into the country. The figures do not include reinvested earnings.