Abstract: FDI has undeniably been instrumental in the restructuring, transformation and diversification processes for poverty reduction in many developing countries of the world. However, this has not been the case with the Nigerian economy. This paper examined foreign direct investment for poverty reduction in Nigeria, taking into cognizance the right policy lessons and the avoidable policy scenarios. Using quarterly data sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) Statistical Bulletin, the National Bureau of Statistics and the World Bank Development Indicator (2019) from 1970 Q1 to 2018Q4.