United Kingdom-based investors supplied the majority of Nigeria’s foreign capital in the first quarter of 2025, contributing $3.68 billion—over 65% of total inflows, according to the latest Capital Importation Report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The report revealed that the UK’s capital inflow rose 29.2% from $2.85 billion in Q4 2024 and surged 103.9% compared to $1.81 billion in Q1 2024, highlighting Britain’s continued dominance in Nigeria’s external financing landscape.
Overall, capital importation into Nigeria reached $5.64 billion in Q1 2025, an increase of 10.9% from $5.09 billion in the previous quarter and up 67.1% from $3.38 billion recorded a year earlier.
The NBS report stated: “Capital Importation during the reference period originated largely from the United Kingdom with $3,681.96m, representing 65.26% of the total capital imported.”
South Africa ranked as the second-largest source, providing $501.29 million (8.88%), up from $454.94 million in Q4 2024 but down 14% year-on-year from $582.34 million in Q1 2024.
Analysts note that the data underscores the UK’s position as Nigeria’s primary gateway for foreign capital inflows, reinforcing long-standing financial ties between both countries.
