Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah and Dr Doliwura Zakaria
On Monday, March 24, 2025, Chief Dr. Doliwura Zakaria, Managing Director of the National Investment Bank PLC (NIB), paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Julius Debrah.
The meeting provided an opportunity for Chief Dr. Zakaria to express his heartfelt appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for entrusting him with the leadership of NIB and to discuss strategic initiatives aimed at revitalizing the bank.
During the meeting, Chief Dr. Zakaria conveyed his deep gratitude for the confidence placed in him, emphasizing his dedication to transforming NIB into a leading financial institution that significantly contributes to Ghana’s economic development.
He pledged to implement robust strategies to turn around the bank’s fortunes, aiming to achieve substantial profitability by the third quarter of 2025. He underscored that with unwavering support from the Presidency and key stakeholders, this ambitious goal is well within reach.
Chief Dr. Zakaria also extended his thanks to the Presidency for promptly addressing NIB’s petition to revert the National Investigation Bureau’s acronym back to Bureau of National Investigations (BNI).
The previous acronym overlap had caused public confusion; thus, this change is anticipated to enhance NIB’s corporate identity and reinforce public confidence in the bank.
Aligning with the government’s ‘BIG PUSH’ and “24-Hour Economy” initiatives, Chief Dr. Zakaria highlighted NIB’s collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).
This partnership involves establishing an ultramodern flagship branch at the Adenta DVLA office, designed to provide continuous banking services to the Adenta community and DVLA customers, thus promoting financial inclusion and convenience.
Addressing the bank’s financial state, Chief Dr. Zakaria appealed for the expedited release of the remaining recapitalization funds as outlined in the 2025 budget.
These funds are crucial for strengthening NIB’s capital base, enabling the bank to enhance its service offerings and achieve its profitability targets.
The 2025 Budget Statement has earmarked GH₵2.2 billion for the full capitalization of NIB and the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), reflecting the government’s commitment to bolstering state-owned financial institutions.
In response, Debrah commended Chief Dr. Zakaria’s proactive approach and vision for NIB.
He advised the bank to prioritize the development of innovative, technology-driven products and to enhance customer experiences.
Such initiatives are essential to attract and retain technologically savvy, high-net-worth clients and businesses both within Ghana and internationally.
Furthermore, he assured Chief Dr. Zakaria of his support in advocating for the bank’s full recapitalization, recognizing its pivotal role in the nation’s financial ecosystem.
Chief Dr. Zakaria also discussed plans to relocate NIB’s Head Office to Cedi House, seeking the Chief of Staff’s assistance in facilitating a swift approval process with the Bank of Ghana (BoG), given the time-sensitive nature of the move.
Additionally, he emphasized the importance of collaborating with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and various ministries, to manage project funds, thereby fostering stronger institutional relationships and expanding NIB’s business portfolio.
Concluding the meeting, Chief Dr. Zakaria expressed his profound gratitude to the Chief of Staff and the Presidency for the audience and extended his appreciation to the Minister of Finance, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, and other sector ministers and agencies who are already collaborating and supporting the bank.
He reiterated his commitment to steering NIB toward a prosperous future, contributing meaningfully to Ghana’s economic growth and development.
This engagement underscores NIB’s dedication to aligning with national objectives and its resolve to implement strategic initiatives that will solidify its position as a cornerstone of Ghana’s financial sector.