The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported that Nigeria’s total capital importation climbed to $10.37 billion in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026.
According to the agency, the figure marks an 83.83 per cent increase compared to the $5.64 billion recorded in the same period of 2025. It also represents a 60.97 per cent rise from the $6.44 billion posted in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2025.
The latest capital importation report, released on Monday, indicates sustained growth in foreign capital inflows, largely fuelled by portfolio investments.
Portfolio investments accounted for the largest share of total inflows, attracting $9.86 billion, which represented 95.09 per cent of the overall capital imported during the quarter.
Other investments amounted to $374.48 million, making up 3.61 per cent of total inflows, while foreign direct investment (FDI) recorded the smallest contribution at $135.08 million, representing 1.30 per cent.
Banking sector attracts largest share
The report showed that the banking sector received the highest volume of capital inflows, attracting $7.55 billion, equivalent to 72.79 per cent of the total.
The financial sector followed with $2.43 billion, accounting for 23.42 per cent, while the production and manufacturing sector recorded $152.27 million, representing 1.47 per cent.
Other sectors that attracted foreign capital during the period included telecommunications ($7.2 million), shares ($75.3 million), trading ($65.7 million), and information and technology ($11.3 million).
UK emerges as leading source of inflows
The NBS said the United Kingdom was the largest source of foreign capital into Nigeria in Q1 2026, contributing $5.08 billion, or 49.01 per cent of total inflows.
The United States ranked second with $3.18 billion, accounting for 30.69 per cent, while South Africa contributed $983.83 million, representing 9.49 per cent.
Other notable sources of capital included the United Arab Emirates, which provided $194.51 million, and Mauritius, which contributed $390.07 million.
Standard Chartered tops inflow rankings
Among financial institutions, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited recorded the highest capital inflow during the quarter.
The bank accounted for $4.41 billion, representing 42.56 per cent of the total capital imported into the country.
Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc followed with $2.78 billion, making up 26.79 per cent, while Rand Merchant Bank attracted $930.82 million, representing 8.97 per cent of total inflows.