Nigeria’s balance of payments fell by 38 per cent to 4.23 billion dollars in 2025, according to new data from the Central Bank of Nigeria. The figures show a significant decline in the country’s external financial position compared with the previous year.
The CBN said the current account remained in surplus but dropped by 26.2 per cent to 14.04 billion dollars, largely due to a fall in crude oil exports. Oil revenue declined by 14.4 per cent to 31.54 billion dollars, despite a rise in gas exports.
The report also showed a shift in the financial account from a net lending position in 2024 to net borrowing in 2025, driven by a sharp fall in foreign portfolio investment inflows. However, foreign direct investment rose to 4.01 billion dollars, indicating increased long-term investor interest.
Also Read: CBN Reports 4.6 Billion Dollar Balance of Payments Surplus in Q3 2025
The bank said external reserves grew by 13.8 per cent to 45.75 billion dollars, providing some buffer, even as higher import bills and increased payments for services and investor returns added pressure on the overall balance.
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