MTN Nigeria has expressed profound sadness over the passing of its founding chairman Pascal Dozie, who died on Tuesday at the age of 85. In a heartfelt tribute, the telecommunications giant lauded Mr Dozie’s pivotal role in the emergence of mobile telephony in Nigeria and his monumental contributions to the company and the nation.
MTN recalled that Dozie’s leadership was instrumental in its establishment and growth in Nigeria. As the company’s first chairman, a position he held from 2001 to 2019, he brought insight, experience, and bold vision at a time when mobile telecommunications in Nigeria was still in its infancy. His tenure saw numerous milestones, including the historic first call on the MTN network on May 16, 2001, a moment that signalled the beginning of a telecommunications revolution in the country.
“His unwavering belief in Nigeria’s potential and his dedication to its development were truly inspiring. His leadership at MTN Nigeria laid the foundation for our success, and his legacy will continue to guide us in the years to come,” said Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria.
Dozie’s tenure at MTN Nigeria was marked by groundbreaking achievements, including the incorporation of the MTN Nigeria Foundation in 2004, dedicating a percentage of profit after tax to social investments; launch of one of Africa’s largest switching centres in 2010; significant role in resolving critical regulatory challenges in 2015; introduction of Africa’s first 3G feature phone in 2018 and MTN Nigeria’s historic listing on the Nigerian Exchange in 2019.
His influence extended beyond telecommunications. As the founder of Diamond Bank, a former director of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and a leader of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, he was a champion of economic growth and development. He also mentored countless individuals, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those he guided.
“Dr. Dozie was instrumental in MTN Group’s expansion into Nigeria, providing visionary leadership that has left an indelible mark on our company’s history. His commitment to excellence and integrity set a standard that we continue to uphold,” said Ralph Mupita, president and CEO of MTN Group.
Fondly known as PGD, Dozie was celebrated for his humility, wisdom, and steadfast commitment to progress. He was a recipient of Nigeria’s national honours Officer and Commander of the Order of the Niger (OON and CON). Beyond these accolades, he was admired for his innovative spirit, thoughtfulness, and unwavering integrity.
In its tribute, MTN Nigeria described Dozie as a “quiet revolutionary” whose clarity and conviction eased tensions and inspired confidence. “We are profoundly grateful for his time with us. His memory will remain a guiding light for MTN, Nigeria’s business community, and everyone who shares his unwavering commitment to progress built on integrity and service,” the company stated.
Pascal Dozie is survived by his wife, Chinyere, and their children. His legacy will endure as a beacon of excellence, innovation, and dedication to the greater good.
