The United Kingdom emerged as the largest source of capital inflows into Nigeria during the third quarter of 2025, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Data from the NBS’s capital importation reports for Q2 and Q3 2025, posted on its X handle on Monday, show that inflows from the UK totaled $2.94 billion, representing 48.80 per cent of total capital imported during the period. The United States followed with $950.47 million (15.80 per cent), while the Republic of South Africa accounted for $773.95 million (12.87 per cent). The strong rebound in capital importation during Q3 signals renewed foreign investor appetite, largely driven by short-term portfolio flows into money market instruments and government bonds. Analysts, however, warn that the relatively low share of foreign direct investment suggests that long-term, productive capital remains modest compared to more liquid, short-term investments.

Source: Punch February 16, 2026 10:38 UTC