Nigeria's Q1 2026 Capital Importation Hits $10.37 Billion

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria's capital importation reached $10.37 billion in the first quarter of 2026, representing an 83.83% increase from $5.64 billion in the same period in 2025. This growth reflects a renewed interest from foreign investors in Nigeria's financial market.

The report indicates that capital inflow rose by 60.97% compared to the previous quarter, which recorded $6.44 billion. Portfolio investments were the primary source of foreign capital, amounting to $9.86 billion, or 95.09% of the total, while foreign direct investment was $135.08 million, representing 1.30%.

The banking sector attracted the largest share of foreign capital, with $7.55 billion, accounting for 72.79% of total inflows. The United Kingdom was the largest source of foreign capital, contributing $5.08 billion, followed by the United States with $3.18 billion and South Africa with $983.83 million.

Major financial institutions facilitating this inflow included Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited and Stanbic IBTC Bank (NGX: STANBIC) PLC.