Nigeria capital importation jumped 83.8% to $10.37 billion in Q1 2026, but 95% was portfolio inflows and just 1.3% foreign direct investment.
Nigeria's capital inflows surged 83.8% to $10.37 billion in Q1 2026, but 95% was portfolio money, not direct investment. London and New York chase bond yields because Nigeria's tech and manufacturing remain too risky for patient capital investment.
NIGERIA · ECONOMY
Key Facts
—Inflows surged: Nigeria drew $10.37 billion in foreign capital in the first quarter of 2026, up 83.8% from a year earlier, according to the national statistics office.
—Quarter on quarter: The total was also 61% higher than the $6.44 billion of late 2025, a sharp acceleration.
—Mostly hot money: Portfolio flows made up $9.86 billion, or 95% of the total; foreign direct investment was just $135 million, or 1.3%.
Banking sector records $7.55bn fresh capital inflows
Hot money mirage hides cold realities as Lagos dances to a carry trade tune - Businessday NG
Nigeria's capacity challenge begins where capital arrives - Businessday NG
The $10bn foreign bet reshaping Nigeria’s markets - Businessday NG
IMF warns Nigeria against reliance on hot money as foreign inflows surge - Businessday NG
Nigeria's telecom operators dispute 93% capital iInflow slump
Nigeria’s trade surplus rises 91% to N7.55trn in Q1’26
Foreign investment in manufacturing slumps 50.7% to $152m in Q1’26
Nigeria’s trade surplus rises 340% to N7.5 trn
Hot money or the first stage of recovering confidence? - Businessday NG
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