Nigeria Sees Nominal Rise in FDIs Amidst Surge in Portfolio Investments
Latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that Nigeria recorded a modest rise in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 2025, with total capital importation of $23.22 billion, up sharply from $12.32 billion in 2024. However, FDI only accounted for $923.01 million, or 3.97% of the total, down from 5.48% in 2024.
The contrast becomes even clearer when viewed in nominal terms. In 2025, portfolio inflows of $19.74 billion were more than 21 times the size of FDI inflows at $923.01 million. Portfolio investment remained the clear driver of capital importation in 2025, standing at $19.74 billion, more than double the $8.38 billion recorded in 2024.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, said the government has wooed investors to invest in the country, saying government policies have secured the right environment for them to thrive.
Within FDI, equity capital remained the dominant component. FDI equity stood at $868.29 million in 2025, accounting for about 94.1% of total FDI.
Ongoing crisis in the Middle East opens commercial opportunities for Nigeria
The Executive Vice President of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Olalekan Ogunleye, said the ongoing crisis in the Middle East has opened up commercial opportunities for Nigeria, as the country sees stronger demand for its liquefied natural gas cargoes.
Nigeria LNG (NLNG), in which NNPC is the largest shareholder, can export up to 22 million metric tons per year and is building a seventh production train scheduled for completion in 2027.