Nigeria attracted $10.37bn in capital importation in the first quarter of 2026, marking an 83.83% increase compared to $5.64bn recorded in the same period of 2025, according to the National Bureau of Statistics National Bureau of Statistics. The figure also represents a 60.97% rise from $6.44bn in Q4 2025, signalling renewed investor appetite for Nigerian assets.
The report shows that portfolio investment remained the dominant driver of inflows, accounting for $9.86bn or 95.09% of total capital importation. Foreign direct investment was significantly lower at $135.08m (1.30%), while other investments contributed $374.48m (3.61%), highlighting a strong tilt toward short-term financial market instruments.
Within portfolio flows, money market instruments attracted the largest share at $6.50bn, followed by bonds at $3.23bn, while equity investments stood at $131.81m. Analysts say the surge reflects improved market confidence and yield-driven investor positioning, even as long-term FDI remains relatively subdued.
