ABUJA — Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has emerged as the country’s top destination for foreign investment in the first quarter of 2025, overtaking Lagos State, traditionally the nation’s commercial powerhouse.
According to the latest report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) titled ‘Nigeria Capital Importation Q1 2025’, capital importation into the country surged by an impressive 67.12 percent, rising to $5.64 billion from $3.38 billion recorded during the same period in 2024.
The figure also reflects a 10.86 percent increase compared to the $5.09 billion posted in Q4 2024, signaling renewed investor confidence in the Nigerian economy.
“In Q1 2025, total capital importation into Nigeria stood at US$5,642.07 million, higher than the US$3,376.01 million recorded in Q1 2024,” the report noted.
Abuja led the pack with $3.05 billion in capital inflows, representing 54.11 percent of total investments, while Lagos followed closely with $2.56 billion, accounting for 45.44 percent.
Only five states received capital inflows during the quarter, with Ogun ($7.95 million), Oyo ($7.81 million), and Kaduna ($4.06 million) trailing far behind the top two.
The report also revealed that portfolio investments dominated the inflows, contributing a massive $5.2 billion (92.25 percent) of the total, followed by other investments totaling $311.17 million (5.52 percent).
The development marks a significant shift in investor preference, with Abuja becoming an increasingly attractive hub for capital amid Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape.
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