By Obinna Uballa
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says the United Kingdom accounted for $2.94 billion, or 48.80 per cent, of total capital imported into Nigeria in the third quarter of 2025.
Figures contained in the NBS capital importation reports for Q2 and Q3 2025, shared on its official X handle on Monday, show that the UK emerged as the single largest source of foreign capital inflows during the period under review.
The United States ranked second with $950.47 million, representing 15.80 per cent of total inflows, while the South Africa contributed $773.95 million, accounting for 12.87 per cent.
Other notable sources of capital included Mauritius with $451.46 million and the Netherlands with $282.90 million.
According to the NBS, the data – sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria – reflect fresh capital inflows through commercial banks and exclude other components of foreign direct investment, such as reinvested earnings.
The rebound in capital importation in Q3 2025 signals renewed foreign investor interest, driven largely by portfolio investments in money market instruments and Federal Government bonds.
However, analysts caution that the relatively small share of foreign direct investment indicates that long-term, productive capital inflows remain limited compared to short-term, more liquid portfolio investments.
