Nigeria’s total capital importation rose sharply by 380 per cent to $6.01 billion in the third quarter (Q3) of 2025, according to new data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The NBS report shows a significant rebound compared to the corresponding period in 2024, reflecting improved foreign investor confidence and increased inflows across key investment categories.
Portfolio Investments Lead Surge
Portfolio investments accounted for the largest share of inflows during the quarter, driven largely by renewed interest in Nigeria’s money market instruments and bonds. Other components of capital importation — including foreign direct investment (FDI) and other investments such as loans — also recorded gains, though at more moderate levels.
The sharp increase comes amid ongoing economic reforms aimed at stabilising the foreign exchange market and improving macroeconomic fundamentals.
Key Drivers
Analysts attribute the surge to:
- Improved foreign exchange liquidity
- Monetary policy tightening by the Central Bank
- Market-driven exchange rate adjustments
- Renewed investor appetite for high-yield emerging market assets
The rebound signals a potential easing of foreign exchange pressures that had weighed heavily on the economy in previous quarters.
Outlook
While the increase marks a strong recovery, experts caution that sustaining capital inflows will depend on continued policy consistency, exchange rate stability, and improvements in the overall business environment.
The Q3 2025 figures represent one of the strongest quarterly performances in recent years, underscoring renewed global interest in Africa’s largest economy.
