Nigeria's trade sector attracts $65.79 million in foreign investment in Q1 2026
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
Nigeria's trade sector attracted $65.79 million in foreign capital during the first quarter of 2026, marking a 91.31 percent increase from the $34.39 million recorded in the same period of 2025. This growth indicates renewed investor confidence in commercial activities and cross-border trade, despite the figure being lower than the $80.94 million in Q3 2025 and $119.21 million in Q4 2025. The National Bureau of Statistics reported that trade was the largest contributor to Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product in Q1 2026, accounting for 17.89 percent of total output. Dr. Muda Yusuf, Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, attributed this to improved exchange rate stability, better FX liquidity, easing inflationary pressures, and recovering business confidence. However, Yusuf cautioned that sustainable economic transformation requires stronger productive capacity and industrialization. Industry experts anticipate trade will play a growing role in driving growth across Nigeria and Africa, particularly with the African Continental Free Trade Area. Bowale Adeoye, Chief Executive Officer of Seedtree Capital, highlighted innovations in trade finance and logistics, such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System, which reduce transaction costs and address Africa's trade finance gap. She also emphasized the importance of cold-chain infrastructure and localization for competitiveness. Ijeoma Ezenwa, Chief Executive Officer of NAHCO Commodities Li
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