The United Kingdom was Nigeria’s largest source of capital inflows in the third quarter of 2025, according to the latest capital importation report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Data published by the NBS on its official X handle on Monday, covering the second and third quarters of 2025, showed that inflows from the UK reached $2.94 billion, accounting for 48.8 per cent of total capital imported during the period.
The United States ranked second with $950.47 million, representing 15.8 per cent, while the Republic of South Africa contributed $773.95 million, or 12.87 per cent. Other significant sources of capital included Mauritius with $451.46 million and the Netherlands with $282.90 million.
The NBS stated that the figures, sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria, reflect fresh capital inflows recorded through commercial banks. It clarified that the data do not include other components of foreign direct investment, such as reinvested earnings.
The rebound in capital importation during the third quarter points to renewed foreign investor interest in the Nigerian economy. Much of the inflow was driven by short-term portfolio investments, particularly in money market instruments and government bonds.
However, analysts caution that the relatively small proportion of foreign direct investment indicates that long-term, productive capital inflows remain limited compared to more liquid, short-term funds.
While the trend underscores Nigeria’s attractiveness to portfolio investors, experts say sustained economic growth will depend on policies that encourage stable, long-term investments capable of driving productivity and job creation.
