Nigeria’s Capital Importation Hit $10.37bn in Q1, 10 Banks Records Highest Share
- Capital importation into Nigeria increased 83.83% on year-on-year to $10.37bn in Q1 2026
- Investment inflows are weighted towards portfolio investment, while FDI decreased drastically
- The banking sector accounted for the bulk of the inflows, with Standard Chartered recording the highest
Legit.ng journalist Dave Ibemere has over a decade of experience in business journalism, with in-depth knowledge of the Nigerian economy, stocks, and general market trends.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed that total capital importation into Nigeria increased by 83.83% year-on-year, from $5.64 billion to $10.37 billion in the first quarter of 2026,
The bureau stated that in the first quarter of 2026, the total capital importation was $10.37 billion from $5.64 billion in the first quarter of 2025, an increase of 83.83%.
Source: Getty Images
On a quarter-on-quarter basis, the total inflow grew by 60.97% from $6.44 billion recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Breakdown of capital importation
Portfolio Investment was the largest component. It was valued at $9.86 billion, or 95.09% of the total inflow. The sum of Other Investment and FDI was $374.48 million (3.61%) and $135.08 million (1.30%) respectively.
FDI value slumped from $357.80 million in the fourth quarter of 2025 to $135.08 million in the first quarter of 2026, falling by 62.25%. This reflects a decline in long term investor interest, DailyTrust reports.
The banking sector attracted $7.55 billion or 72.79% of the total imported capital during the first quarter of 2026. It was followed by the financing sector, which attracted $2.42 billion (23.42%) and the production/manufacturing sector received $152.27 million (1.47%).
The largest inflow for the period originated from the United Kingdom, with $5.08 billion or 49.01% of the total capital imported in the first quarter.
It was followed by the United States with $3.18 billion (30.69%) and the Republic of South Africa with $983.83 million (9.49%).
Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited accounted for the largest portion of capital inflow received by banks, with $4.41 billion or 42.56%, followed by Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, which received $2.77 billion or 26.79%, and Rand Merchant Bank, with $930.82 million or 8.97%.
Source: Getty Images
Capital importation into Nigeria by banks (Q1 2026)
- Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited - $4.41bn
- Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc - $2.78bn
- Rand Merchant Bank - $930.82 million
- Citibank Nigeria Limited - $782.84 million
- Access Bank Plc - $710.03 million
- First Bank of Nigeria Plc - $274.74 million
- Guaranty Trust Bank Plc - $107.11 million
- Zenith Bank Plc - $69.33 million
- First City Monument Bank Plc - $64.97 million
- Ecobank Nigeria Plc - $62.06 million
- Fidelity Bank Plc - $60.68 million
- Optimus Bank Limited - $49.84 million
- Union Bank of Nigeria Plc - $19.24 million
- FSDH Merchant Bank Limited - $10 million
- United Bank for Africa Plc - $9.34 million
- Wema Bank Plc - $9.02 million
- Sterling Bank Plc - $8.52 million
- Signature Bank Limited - $4.96 million
- Keystone Bank Limited - $3.40 million
- ProvidusBank Plc - $0.74 million
- Polaris Bank - $0.48 million
- Greenwich Merchant Bank - $0.44 million
- Nova Merchant Bank Ltd - $0.04 million
Stock market cap shed N479bn
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited extended its bearish run as sustained profit-taking across major sectors dragged the market down by 0.35%.
The decline was driven largely by losses in the banking, consumer goods, and insurance sectors, as investors continued to exit positions amid weak sentiment.
Source: Legit.ng
