Nigeria’s Capital Importation Soars to $21 Billion in 10 Months of 2025, Signaling Investor Confidence
Nigeria witnessed a significant surge in capital inflows, recording approximately $21 billion in the first 10 months of 2025. This marks a sharp increase from about $12 billion in 2024 and under $4 billion in 2023, highlighting a strong rebound in investor confidence. The disclosure was made by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, during her defense of the ministry’s 2026 budget before the Joint House of Representatives Committee on Commerce in Abuja.
Dr. Oduwole attributed the surge to deliberate strategies aimed at attracting both domestic and foreign investors. She cited initiatives such as the curation of over $5 billion in bankable projects, sector-specific deal rooms, and Nigeria’s first-ever domestic investors’ summit. These interventions helped remove bottlenecks for about 50 major investors and fast-tracked multiple projects from proposal to implementation.
The minister also noted that Nigeria’s trade performance is improving alongside capital inflows. In the first three quarters of 2025, total trade was valued at around N113 trillion, with exports rising 11 percent year-on-year to approximately $6.1 billion. Special Economic Zones contributed over $500 million in export revenues and created more than 20,000 direct jobs, while bilateral investment engagements strengthened partnerships with countries such as the UAE, Brazil, Japan, the UK, and the US.
In terms of budget, Dr. Oduwole highlighted the need for an upward review of the ministry’s proposed N2.72 billion capital budget for 2026 to fully execute priority projects. The proposed interventions aim to boost industrial growth, expand trade, and promote investment through a “Nigeria First” approach, emphasizing local production and non-oil exports. Expansion of industrial clusters and Special Economic Zones remains a key part of this growth strategy.
Overall, the surge in capital importation reflects Nigeria’s increasing attractiveness as an investment destination. Through structured engagement with investors and targeted economic policies, the government is positioning the country to strengthen its productive base, connect domestic supply with global demand, and accelerate national development priorities.
source: nairametrics