Table of Contents
Key Points
- Nigerian businessman Pascal Dozie, founder of Diamond Bank and former MTN Nigeria chairman, passed away at 86, leaving a legacy in banking and telecom.
- Dozie founded Diamond Bank in 1990, growing it into a major player before its acquisition by Access Holdings in 2018.
- He shaped Nigeria's telecom sector as MTN Nigeria's chairman, playing a key role in its expansion and maintaining a 1.6% stake post-retirement.
Nigerian businessman Pascal Dozie, the founder of Diamond Bank and a key figure in both Nigeria’s financial and telecom sectors, passed away at the age of 86.
His passing, confirmed by his family on April 8, 2025, has deeply saddened the business world in Nigeria, leaving a profound sense of loss. In a touching tribute, his son Uzoma Dozie paid tribute to a man who was not only a successful entrepreneur but also a dedicated father, grandfather, husband, and devout Catholic.
"With gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of our beloved father, Pascal Gabriel Dozie," the family statement reads, remembering a man whose legacy was grounded in faith, family, and an unwavering commitment to Nigeria.
He is survived by his wife, Chinyere, their children and grandchildren, as well as a wide circle of people whose lives were enriched by his remarkable contributions.
Pascal Dozie: Shaping Nigeria’s banking landscape
Born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Pascal Dozie was raised with a strong Catholic foundation, influenced by his father, Charles Dozie, who served as a catechist.
This upbringing guided him throughout his life, both personally and professionally, and laid the groundwork for a career that would have a lasting impact on Nigeria’s economy.
Dozie founded Diamond Bank in 1990, transforming Nigeria’s banking sector with his innovative approach. The bank quickly grew into a major player, and its eventual acquisition by Access Holdings in December 2018 stood as a testament to Dozie’s foresight and resilience in navigating Nigeria’s evolving financial landscape.
His ability to navigate challenges in an ever-changing industry played a crucial role in the bank's success. His decision to enter the banking world in 1985 stemmed from recognizing a gap in Nigeria’s financial services, a move that would set the stage for his lasting legacy.
Dozie’s telecom impact at MTN
In addition to banking, Dozie left a significant mark on Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.
As chairman of MTN Nigeria from 2001 to 2019, he played a pivotal role in the company’s expansion, helping it become a household name and fundamentally transforming how Nigerians connected with each other.
Even after stepping down, his influence remained, with a 1.6 percent stake in MTN, further cementing his lasting legacy in the telecom sector.
