Nigeria’s capital importation reached approximately $21 billion in the first ten months of 2025, marking a 75 per cent increase from the $12 billion recorded in the same period of 2024 and a significant rise from under $4 billion in 2023. The disclosure was made by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Jumoke Oduwole, during the ministry’s budget defence before the House Committee on Commerce.
The data reflects a sustained upward trend in foreign investment flows into the country. Capital importation encompasses foreign direct investment (FDI), portfolio investment, and other investment types. The United Kingdom emerged as the dominant source, with UK investors accounting for about 65 per cent of Nigeria’s total foreign capital inflows in 2025.
Minister Oduwole attributed part of this growth to the ministry’s extensive diplomatic and promotional efforts. She stated that over 100 bilateral investment engagements were conducted both domestically and internationally during the year. These initiatives aimed to strengthen economic ties with new partners, including the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, and Japan, while also deepening relationships with longstanding strategic allies such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
On trade performance, Nigeria achieved a trade surplus in 2025. Total trade for the first three quarters was valued at approximately ₦113 trillion. Exports showed particular strength, growing by about 11 per cent year-on-year to reach $6.1 billion—the highest value and volume recorded to date.
The consistent increase in capital importation and the trade surplus suggest growing investor confidence and an improving balance of trade. This aligns with federal government objectives to diversify the economy beyond oil revenues by attracting sustained foreign capital and boosting non-oil exports. The full-year 2025 figures are anticipated to further solidify this trajectory as economic diversification policies continue to be implemented.
(Source: Channels Television)
