Banking sector attracts 52% of Nigeria’s capital inflows in Q3

Out of 30 sectors, the Nigerian banking sector recorded the highest capital inflows of $3.14 billion, representing 52.25 percent of total capital imported in the third quarter (Q3) of 2025.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Capital Importation Report for Q3 2025, the banking sector inflow rose from $579 million reported in the same period of 2024, compared with the preceding quarter, when inflows fell by 7.7 percent in Q2 2025.

“The financial sector recorded the second-highest capital inflow of $1.85 billion, or 30.85 percent, while the production and manufacturing sector recorded $261.35 million,” it said.

Capital importation is the inflow of foreign capital, such as foreign direct investment (FDI), foreign portfolio investment (FPI), and foreign loans, into the country.

The NBS data suggests that foreign investors prefer to invest in securities such as treasury bills and bonds from countries with foreign ownership and import capital through banks affiliated with foreign investment.

The report further disclosed that portfolio investment ranked top with $4.85 billion, accounting for 80.70 percent, followed by other investments with $864.57 million, accounting for 14.37 percent.

Related News

In contrast, foreign direct investment recorded the least with $296.25 million (4.93 percent) of total capital importation in Q3 2025.

“Capital inflows originated largely from the United Kingdom with $2.93 billion, representing 48.80 percent of the total. This was followed by the United States with $950.47 million (15.80 percent) and the Republic of South Africa with $773.95 million (12.87 percent),” it said.

However, Nigeria attracted a total of $6.01 billion in capital inflow in Q3 of 2025, higher than the $1.25 billion recorded in Q3 of 2024, indicating an increase of 380.16 percent.

In comparison to the preceding quarter, capital importation increased by 17.46 percent from $5.12 billion in Q2 2025.

Analysis of the NBS report revealed that across the banking sector, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited received the highest capital importation into Nigeria in Q3 2025, with $2.11 billion (35.17 percent), followed by Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc with $1.78 billion (29.75 percent) and Citibank Nigeria Limited with $561.40 million (9.33 percent).

Chinwe Michael

Chinwe Michael is a financial inclusion advocate and economy journalist who uses compelling storytelling to drive awareness. With a background in Banking and Finance and experience across accounting, media, and education, she applies sharp analysis and attention to detail to every piece. She simplifies complex financial and economy concepts into engaging content for Africa and global audience. Chinwe also doubles as a speaker with global recognition for her expertise.