Renowned Nigerian entrepreneur and banking pioneer, Pascal Gabriel Dozie, has passed away at the age of 85. A source close to the family confirmed that the respected founder of the defunct Diamond Bank Plc and former Chairman of MTN Nigeria died from an undisclosed ailment.
Dozie, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished businessmen and economic thinkers, left an indelible mark on the country’s financial and telecommunications landscape. His contributions spanned decades of innovation and leadership that helped shape Nigeria’s private sector.
Born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Dozie studied Economics at the London School of Economics and earned a Master’s degree in Administrative Science from City University, London, specializing in Operational Research and Industrial Engineering. His early professional journey began in the United Kingdom, where he worked as an economist and lecturer before returning to Africa to consult for various institutions.
In 1971, Dozie returned to Nigeria and established the African Development Consulting Group (ADCG), providing strategic advice to multinational firms such as Nestlé and Pfizer. His visionary approach to economic development eventually led him to establish Diamond Bank in 1990, a financial institution that quickly became one of Nigeria’s leading commercial banks, known for innovation and customer-centric service. He served as its CEO until 2006, when he handed over leadership to his son, Uzoma Dozie.
Beyond banking, Pascal Dozie played a key role in expanding access to telecommunications in Nigeria. He was appointed Chairman of MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, where he oversaw a critical phase of the company’s growth, helping to deepen mobile connectivity across the country.
He also held various high-level national roles, including Director at the Central Bank of Nigeria, President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, and board memberships across multiple blue-chip companies. In recognition of his service to Nigeria’s economic development, he was conferred with the national honours of Order of the Niger (OON) and Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
Pascal Dozie is survived by his wife, Chinyere Dozie, and their five children. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.
He will be remembered as a man of vision, humility, and excellence a business leader whose legacy continues to inspire a generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs.
