The National Investment Bank PLC (NIB) is poised for a bold resurgence, emerging from years of financial distress as a revitalized force in Ghana’s industrial and economic transformation.
This turnaround, bank officials say, is the result of decisive leadership under President John Dramani Mahama and the appointment of Chief Dr. Doliwura Zakaria as Managing Director.
Established in 1963 to support Ghana’s industrial development, NIB had, in recent years, struggled with undercapitalization, legacy debt, and operational inefficiencies.
By 2018, the bank was weighed down by over GHS 2.4 billion in non-performing loans and liabilities, threatening its viability.
But the tide has turned.
Under the Mahama administration’s economic reset agenda, NIB has been recapitalized with a GHS 1.92 billion injection repositioning it as a key vehicle for delivering long-term financing to critical sectors such as manufacturing, agro-processing, healthcare, energy, and technology.
The bank’s revival owes much to Chief Doliwura Zakaria, whose appointment was widely seen as a strategic move to stabilize and reposition the institution.
A seasoned technocrat with a distinguished academic and professional background in finance, governance, and public sector reform, Chief Zakaria brought both intellectual depth and political acumen to the role.
He spearheaded behind-the-scenes negotiations that framed the bank’s recapitalization not as a bailout but as a strategic investment in national productivity.
Working closely with the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Ghana, and Parliament, he made a compelling case for restoring NIB’s balance sheet to enable it to meet Ghana’s evolving development financing needs.
Operational Transformation and Strategic Direction
Today, NIB is not only financially stable but strategically reoriented. A rigorous restructuring process has modernized the bank’s digital infrastructure, retrained staff, and introduced robust risk management frameworks.
Deposits are rising, lending activity is rebounding, and public confidence is being restored.
Central to the bank’s renewed focus is Ghana’s emerging 24-hour economy an initiative championed by the Mahama administration to enhance productivity and generate employment across sectors. NIB is positioning itself as the financial backbone of this policy.
Earlier this year, the bank opened a new branch at the Adenta DVLA office its first outlet located within a 24-hour government service center.
The branch is designed to deliver round-the-clock banking services to workers and businesses whose schedules extend beyond the traditional workday.
More such service points are in the pipeline, alongside strategic financing for companies operating in shift-based industries including logistics, agro-processing, and manufacturing.
According to NIB management, this aligns the bank’s operations with the core needs of a modern economy.
A Broader Vision for National Development
Beyond retail banking, NIB’s revitalized mandate focuses on medium-scale enterprises, start-ups, and industrial ventures that require patient capital to grow.
Chief Zakaria’s extensive network across public institutions and development finance circles has already begun yielding results in attracting new partnerships and funding.
The bank’s leadership team has expressed deep appreciation to President Mahama, the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Ghana, and all stakeholders who contributed to the bank’s turnaround.
“The recapitalization of NIB was not simply a rescue it was a deliberate move to empower a key national institution to help drive industrial development,” said Chief Zakaria. “Our focus now is impact ensuring Ghanaian businesses have the financing and institutional support they need to thrive.”
Conclusion: A Legacy Renewed
For more than six decades, NIB has been a cornerstone in Ghana’s efforts toward economic independence.
Its transformation into a fully capitalized, development-oriented institution marks a significant milestone in public sector reform.
As Ghana seeks to industrialize, reduce unemployment, and build economic resilience, NIB is once again stepping forward as a trusted partner.
Its story is one of institutional resilience, strategic leadership, and renewed relevance in a critical period of national development.
With capital restored, confidence renewed, and strategy realigned, the National Investment Bank PLC is backand ready to lead in building the Ghana of tomorrow.
Source: Myxyzonline.com
