Nigeria’s investment landscape witnessed a strong performance in the first half of 2025, with the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) reporting a total of $10.23 billion in capital importation, an indicator of growing investor interest and improving economic prospects.
At a quarterly briefing in Abuja, Ms. Aisha Rimi, Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of NIPC, said the figure underscores renewed confidence in Nigeria’s business environment and policy direction. She highlighted that this performance marked a significant improvement over the corresponding period in 2024, with capital importation in the first quarter rising to $5.2 billion from $3.4 billion a year earlier.
Economists note that such inflows, especially portfolio investments dominating recent capital entry can help bolster foreign exchange reserves and support the naira, even as long-term foreign direct investment remains modest relative to overall inflows.
During her presentation, Rimi said the commission’s work in facilitating investment had yielded tangible results, including job creation and business support:
• 186 expatriate quotas approved to ease access for foreign talent, and 17 companies granted Pioneer Status Incentive (PSI) to encourage priority sector investment.
• 5,432 direct jobs created through NIPC-supported activities across multiple sectors.
Rimi said the commission remained focused on turning investor interest into real projects that generate revenue, create jobs, and support national economic goals. Represented by NIPC’s Director of Strategy Services, Abubakar Yerima, she described the year as one of “renewed purpose, discipline, and measurable achievements.”
Under the One-Stop Investment Centre (OSIC) initiative, which streamlines business registration and investor services, the commission ensured that 100 % of business registrations were processed within 48 hours, significantly reducing red tape. Enhanced support on investor inquiries, incorporation of nearly 100 companies, and improved visa-on-arrival and permit processing were among the milestones highlighted.
Rimi also detailed activities in the second and third quarters of 2025:
• In Q2, the commission processed 713 investor enquiries, facilitated **71 business registrations, and supported the creation of 3,016 direct jobs in key areas such as manufacturing, information technology, agro-processing, and renewable energy.
• In Q3, NIPC handled 672 investor enquiries, facilitated 189 business registrations, and oversaw PSI approvals for additional companies, contributing 2,416 new direct jobs.
Looking ahead, Rimi outlined plans to further improve Nigeria’s investment climate in 2026, including the transition to an Economic Development Incentive (EDI) framework in January, expansion of the National Investment Certification Programme for States (NICPS), and deeper global engagement to attract diverse investment flows.
Analysts say that while headline capital inflows have risen significantly, Nigeria saw a 67 % year-on-year jump in capital importation to about $5.64 billion in Q1 2025 according to the National Bureau of Statistics, much of this has been driven by portfolio investment rather than long-term foreign direct investment, a trend that highlights both confidence in Nigerian financial assets and lingering challenges in securing deeper, project-based investment.
Rimi stressed that the NIPC’s efforts are geared toward not just attracting funds but ensuring that the investments translate into sustainable economic growth, employment, and project execution that align with Nigeria’s broader development goals.
The mid-year report thus reflects a mixed but optimistic picture: capital flows are improving, investor engagement is broadening, and strategic reforms are beginning to yield results, even as policymakers seek to deepen the quality and impact of foreign investment on the Nigerian economy.
