Nigeria’s foreign investment landscape received a significant boost in 2025, with combined foreign portfolio investment (FPI) and foreign direct investment (FDI) reaching nearly $14 billion in the first nine months of the year. According to the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, this marks a record-breaking inflow, surpassing the total foreign investment received in 2024. Analysts attribute this surge to renewed investor confidence fueled by wide-ranging economic and structural reforms under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Foreign portfolio investment led the recovery, accounting for $12.99 billion, while foreign direct investment showed impressive growth, expanding by 700 percent quarter-on-quarter in Q3 2025 to reach $936 million year-to-date. The ministry highlighted that this growth reflects a strong belief in Nigeria’s reform agenda, including measures such as foreign exchange liberalisation, fuel subsidy removal, and targeted investor aftercare.
The government’s proactive approach to investment facilitation also played a crucial role. In 2025, Nigeria transitioned from passive promotion to an execution-driven model, converting over 25 percent of signed Memoranda of Understanding worth $50.8 billion into live projects. Priority projects valued at $13.7 billion progressed during the year, demonstrating tangible results for investors and reinforcing confidence in the country’s investment climate.
Domestic investors also showed strong support, with Nigeria hosting its first Domestic Investors Summit, resolving 75 percent of investor concerns on the spot. High-level bilateral engagements and trade missions to countries including the UK, US, France, UAE, Japan, China, and Brazil further strengthened Nigeria’s investment pipelines. Non-oil exports performed strongly as well, growing 21 percent to $12.8 billion in the first half of the year, contributing to a N12 trillion trade surplus.
Looking ahead, the ministry plans to build on 2025’s momentum by focusing on execution and measurable impact in 2026. Priority sectors include solid minerals, digital trade, the creative economy, and climate-smart industrialisation. The ministry emphasized that the results of 2025 mark a decisive turning point for Nigeria, restoring investor confidence, boosting competitiveness, and laying the foundation for sustained and inclusive growth.
source: Punch