UK tops Nigeria’s capital inflows in Q3 2025, NBS reports

The United Kingdom was the leading source of capital inflows into Nigeria in the third quarter of 2025, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics.

Figures from the NBS capital importation reports for the second and third quarters of 2025, shared on its official X platform on Monday, indicate that inflows from the United Kingdom amounted to $2.94bn, accounting for 48.80 per cent of total capital imported during the period.

The United States ranked second with $950.47m, representing 15.80 per cent, while the South Africa contributed $773.95m, or 12.87 per cent. Other major sources included Mauritius with $451.46m and the Netherlands with $282.90m.

The NBS noted that the data, obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria, reflect fresh capital inflows through commercial banks and exclude other elements of foreign direct investment, such as reinvested earnings.

The rebound in capital importation during the third quarter points to renewed interest from foreign investors, driven largely by short-term portfolio investments in money market instruments and government bonds. Analysts, however, caution that the relatively small share of foreign direct investment indicates that long-term, productive capital inflows remain limited compared with short-term funds.

Overall, the trend underscores Nigeria’s increasing attractiveness to portfolio investors while highlighting the need for policies that encourage more stable, long-term investments to support sustainable economic growth.