Nigeria recorded a strong rebound in its external sector in the third quarter of 2025, posting an overall Balance of Payments (BoP) surplus of $4.60 billion, according to data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The development marks a sharp turnaround from the deficit recorded in the preceding quarter, reflecting improved performance across key external sector indicators.
The CBN attributed the positive outcome to stronger trade activities, resilient remittance inflows and increased financial flows into the economy.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Acting Director of Corporate Communications at the CBN, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, said the improvement was driven by a sustained current account surplus of $3.42 billion.
She noted that the gains were also supported by continued accretion to Nigeria’s external reserves. “The improvement was supported by a sustained current account surplus of $3.42 billion, supported by stronger trade performance, resilient remittance inflows, increased financial flows, and continued accretion to external reserves,” the statement said.
Beyond the external sector, the apex bank also reported strengthening domestic economic activity towards the end of the year. According to the CBN, the Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 57.6 index points in December 2025, indicating a sustained expansion in economic activities across key sectors.
Analysts view the combined improvement in the balance of payments position and domestic business conditions as a positive signal for Nigeria’s macroeconomic stability, suggesting growing confidence in the economy amid ongoing reforms and improving global and domestic conditions.
