Nze Chidi Duru, OON, born on 12th November 1966, is a serial entrepreneur, legal practitioner, philanthropist, and public servant with a career spanning over three decades. Renowned for his integrity, innovation, and passion for national development, he has built an outstanding reputation in law, politics, business, and community service. He is widely admired for his ethical leadership, commitment to public trust, and zealous pioneering spirit—especially in breaking new grounds within Nigeria’s economic and social landscape. Nze Duru’s life reflects an uncommon dedication to transparency, excellence, and compassion toward people of all backgrounds.

EDUCATION

Nze Duru began his educational journey at Santana Boarding Primary School, Awo-Omamma, Imo State, and proceeded to Eziama High School, Abia State (1978–1983). He obtained his LL.B (Hons) degree from Bende State University (now Ambrose Alli University, Edo State) in 1988 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1989 after excelling at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos. During his National Youth Service year in Ogun State, he won both the NYSC State Honours Award and the National NYSC Honours Award for his exceptional service. He further attended leading global institutions, including:

• Lagos Business School, Lagos.
• University of Navarra, Barcelona, Spain.
• Harvard University, USA.

BUSINESS CAREER

Nze Duru is the Founder and Chairman of Grand Towers Limited, a holding company with an asset base of over ₦85 billion and interests in pensions, investment, real estate, hospitality, and fintech. Under his leadership, Grand Towers established First Guarantee Pension Limited in 2004 — one of Nigeria’s first licensed Pension Fund Administrators, now acquired by Access Bank Plc and merged with Sigma Pensions to form Access Pensions. He is also the founder of CallPhone Limited, a fintech company offering innovative payment solutions and the first to secure the CBN’s Payment Solution Service (PSS) license as a PSSP, PTSP, and Super-Agent in Nigeria. As part of his business milestones, Nze Duru pioneered the ShopRite franchise in Abuja through the Grand Towers Shopping Mall, Apo — the first of its kind in the FCT, paving the way for several other outlets across the city.

POLITICAL CAREER

Nze Duru’s political journey began in 1991 with the Social Democratic Party (SDP), where he served as Assistant Legal Adviser in Anambra State. He was later appointed Special Adviser (Legal/Logistics) to Amb. Babagana Kingibe, the then SDP National Chairman and Vice Presidential candidate to Chief MKO Abiola in the 1993 general elections. He co-founded the United Nigerian Congress Party (UNCP) in 1997 and contested for the Aguata Houseof Representatives seat in 1998 before the process was truncated. In 1999, he became a founding member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and was elected as Member, House of Representatives for Aguata Federal Constituency, serving two terms (1999–2007). During his tenure, he chaired several key committees, including Privatization, Public Petitions, and Pension Reforms. He played a leading role in the Pension Reform Act 2004, unlocking what has now grown into a ₦16 trillion pension assets industry. He also championed the Power Sector Reform Bill, which led to the unbundling of Nigeria’s electricity sector. He is currently the Deputy National Organizing Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairman, Governing Board of Management, Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, Kogi State.

PHILANTROPY & SOCIAL IMPACT

Deeply committed to community development, Nze Duru founded the Acharugo Foundation Trust, a platform through which he provides scholarships, widow empowerment programs, and community development initiatives. His motto, “Feed a widow and feed a family,” reflects his compassion and belief in sustainable charity. Through his foundation and legislative efforts, he has facilitated: Road constructions such as Amawbia–Uga federal road and Nwangele Bridge. Erosion control projects in Aguata and Ekwulobia. Water supply rehabilitation, including the ₦260m Obizi Water Scheme. Rural electrification across six communities in Anambra State.

PERSONAL LIFE

Nze Duru is married to Nkonye Obioma Obianuju, and their union, since 2003, is blessed with five children. He is also known by his traditional title, Acharaugo of Nkpologwu, in recognition of his selfless service and contributions to community development.