Nigeria recorded a sharp rise in capital importation in the first quarter of 2026, with total inflows hitting $10.37 billion, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)
The figure represents an 83.83 per cent increase compared to $5.64 billion recorded in the same period of 2025, and a 60.97 per cent jump from $6.44 billion in the preceding quarter (Q4 2025), highlighting a strong rebound in foreign inflows into the economy.
The NBS noted that portfolio investment dominated capital inflows during the period, accounting for US$9.86 billion or 95.09 per cent of the total.
Other investments followed with US$374.48 million (3.61 per cent), while foreign direct investment (FDI) remained the weakest component at $135.08 million, representing just 1.30 per cent.
By sector, the banking industry attracted the largest share of inflows, receiving $7.55 billion, equivalent to 72.79 per cent of total capital importation. The financing sector followed with $2.43 billion (23.42 per cent), while manufacturing recorded a modest $152.27 million, or 1.47 per cent.
In terms of origin, the United Kingdom emerged as the largest source of capital, contributing US$5.08 billion (49.01 per cent), followed by the United States with $3.18 billion (30.69 per cent) and South Africa with $983.83 million (9.49 per cent).
On the receiving end, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited topped the list of capital importation recipients with US$4.41 billion (42.56 per cent), followed by Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc with US$2.78 billion (26.79 per cent), and Rand Merchant Bank with US$930.82 million (8.97 per cent).
The NBS explained that the data, sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), captures fresh capital inflows reported by commercial banks and excludes components such as reinvested earnings under foreign direct investment.
1SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER NOW
Support MATAZ ARISING’ journalism of integrity and credibility.
Good journalism ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
We ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
TEXT AD: To advertise here – Email ad@matazarising.com
LATEST POSTS
Jonathan not in 2027 race, associates insist
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Close associates of former President Goodluck Jonathan have dismissed speculations about a possible 2027 presidential bid, insisting that there is no indication that the former leader intends to return to the ballot. They described reports linking him to the race as politically motivated, adding that a statement reiterating his lack of interest…
‘I’m independent, Peter Obi doesn’t own me’ — Datti Baba-Ahmed
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has defended his decision to leave the Labour Party for the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), insisting that his political choices are independent of former presidential candidate, Peter Obi. Baba-Ahmed, who was Obi’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election, said he declined to follow…
Iran war is over, says US secretary Rubio
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday stood by his claim that the war with Iran was over, even as deadly strikes continued. “We’re no longer conducting sustained strikes inside of Iran to degrade their military, because Epic Fury is over,” Rubio told the House Foreign Affairs Committee, asserting that the…
