The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said Nigeria’s total capital importation rose to $10.37 billion in the first quarter (Q1) of this year.
The figure represents an 83.83 per cent increase compared to the $5.64 billion recorded in the corresponding period of last year.
In its latest capital importation report released yesterday, the NBS said the figure also represents a 60.97 per cent increase from the $6.44 billion recorded in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2025.
Analysis of the data indicates continued growth in foreign capital inflows into the country, driven largely by portfolio investments.
According to the report, portfolio investment accounted for the largest share of capital imported during the quarter, with inflows of $9.86 billion, representing 95.09 per cent of the total.
NBS said other investments stood at $374.48 million, accounting for 3.61 per cent, while foreign direct investment (FDI) recorded the lowest inflow at $135.08 million, representing 1.30 percent of total capital importation.
The report said the banking sector attracted the highest volume of capital during the period, receiving $7.55 billion or 72.79 per cent of total inflows.
This was followed by the financial sector at $2.43 billion, representing 23.42 per cent, while the production and manufacturing sector accounted for $152.27 million or 1.47 per cent.
Other sectors that received inflows during the quarter include telecommunications ($7.2 million), shares ($75.3 million), trading ($65.7 million), and information and technology ($11.3 million).
The statistics agency also said the United Kingdom (UK) emerged as the largest source of capital inflows into Nigeria during the quarter, contributing $5.08 billion, equivalent to 49.01 per cent of the total inflows.
The United States (U.S.) followed with $3.18 billion, accounting for 30.69 per cent, while South Africa contributed $983.83 million, representing 9.49 per cent.
Other top sources include the United Arab Emirates ($194.51 million) and Mauritius ($390.07 million), the NBS said.
According to NBS, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited led the banking sector receiving the highest capital inflow, accounting for $4.41 billion or 42.56 per cent of the total capital imported during the quarter.
Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc followed with $2.78 billion, representing 26.79 per cent, while Rand Merchant Bank received $930.82 million, accounting for 8.97 per cent.
