NGX Sees 78% Surge in Foreign Inflows as Investors Remain Cautious Amid Rising Outflows

Foreign portfolio inflows into the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) jumped significantly in Q1 2026, rising by 78 per cent to N393.68 billion, compared to N221.62 billion recorded in the same period of 2025. The increase points to renewed foreign appetite for Nigerian equities.

However, the gains were tempered by rising capital repatriation. Foreign outflows increased by 31.2 per cent to N420.37 billion year-to-date, up from N320.37 billion in 2025, highlighting a continued balance between entry and exit of offshore funds.

Data from the NGX Domestic and Foreign Portfolio Participation in Equity Report showed total market turnover rose by 13.10 per cent to N1.744 trillion ($1.26 billion) in March 2026, compared with N1.5424 trillion ($1.13 billion) in February.

Despite the surge in foreign participation, domestic investors retained market control, accounting for about 66 per cent more transactions than foreign investors in March.

On a month-on-month basis, domestic activity increased moderately by 3.72 per cent, from N1.4033 trillion to N1.4556 trillion, while foreign transactions recorded a sharp rebound of 107.74 per cent, rising from N139.03 billion to N288.82 billion.

Institutional investors continued to dominate domestic participation, with transactions increasing by 6.95 per cent to N914.23 billion, while retail activity declined slightly by 1.30 per cent to N541.37 billion.

Overall, the data reflects a market characterised by strong domestic dominance, rising foreign interest, but sustained caution driven by simultaneous inflows and outflows.

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