Nigeria recorded $10.37bn in capital importation during the first quarter of 2026, reflecting a sharp rise in foreign inflows compared to the same period last year, according to new figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The latest Capital Importation Report, released on Wednesday, June 3, showed that inflows increased by 83.83 per cent from the $5.64bn recorded in the first quarter of 2025. Compared to the previous quarter, capital importation also climbed by 60.97 per cent from $6.44bn posted in the final quarter of 2025.
The report stated: “In Q1 2026, total capital importation into Nigeria stood at $10.37bn, higher than $5.64bn recorded in Q1 2025, indicating an increase of 83.83 per cent.
In comparison to the preceding quarter, capital importation increased by 60.97 per cent from $6.44bn in Q4 2025.”
A breakdown of the figures showed that portfolio investment remained the largest driver of foreign capital entering the country, accounting for $9.86bn or 95.09 per cent of total inflows.
Foreign direct investment, often regarded as a stronger indicator of long-term investor confidence, stood at $135.08m, representing only 1.30 per cent of total capital imported. Other investments contributed $374.48m, amounting to 3.61 per cent.
“Portfolio Investment ranked top with $9.86bn, accounting for 95.09 per cent, followed by Other Investment with $374.48m, accounting for 3.61 per cent.
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Foreign Direct Investment recorded the least with $135.08m, representing 1.30 per cent of total capital importation in Q1 2026,” the report added.
Within the portfolio category, money market instruments attracted the biggest share at $6.50bn, followed by bond investments valued at $3.23bn, while equity investments accounted for $131.81m.
The banking sector emerged as the leading destination for foreign funds, attracting $7.55bn or 72.79 per cent of total inflows. The financing sector followed with $2.43bn, while manufacturing and production received $152.27m.
“The Banking sector recorded the highest inflow with $7.55bn, representing 72.79 per cent of total capital imported in Q1 2026, followed by the Financing sector, valued at $2.43bn (23.42 per cent), and Production/Manufacturing sector with $152.27m (1.47 per cent),” the bureau said.
On the source of investments, the United Kingdom remained Nigeria’s largest contributor with $5.08bn, accounting for 49.01 per cent of total inflows. The United States followed with $3.18bn, while South Africa contributed $983.83m.
The report added that the figures were compiled using fresh foreign capital reported by commercial banks and supplied through the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Despite the surge in overall capital inflows, foreign direct investment into Nigeria reportedly fell sharply in January 2026, as investors channelled more funds into bonds and money market instruments.