‎‎By Progress Godfrey

‎‎Capital importation into Nigeria rose sharply to $10.37 billion in the first quarter of 2026, Q1’26, reflecting an 83.83 per cent Year-on-Year, YoY, increase from $5.64 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.

‎‎According to the Nigeria Capital Importation data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) yesterday, the $10.37 billion also represents a 60.97 per cent rise compared to $6.44 billion posted in the fourth quarter of 2025, Q1’25.

‎‎Portfolio Investment dominated capital inflows in the quarter under review, accounting for the overwhelming majority at $9.86 billion or 95.09 per cent of total importation.

‎‎Other Investments contributed a modest $374.48 million, representing 3.61 per cent, while Foreign Direct Investment remained marginal at $135.08 million, accounting for just 1.30 per cent of total inflows.

‎‎Sectoral analysis shows that the banking sector attracted the bulk of inflows, accounting for $7.55 billion or 72.79 per cent of total capital imported during the quarter.

‎‎This was followed by the financing sector, which recorded $2.43 billion, representing 23.42 per cent, while the production and manufacturing sector accounted for $152.27 million or 1.47 per cent.

‎‎In terms of source, the United Kingdom emerged as the leading contributor with $5.08 billion, representing 49.01 per cent of total inflows, followed by the United States with $3.18 billion and the Republic of South Africa with $983.83 million.