How one dormant bank account almost cost me millions and the money lesson for Nigerians

Let me gist you something real that almost cost me millions.

Recently, I needed to make an urgent business payment. The money was there. The deal was hot. The opportunity was waiting. But the cash was trapped inside a Nigerian bank account that had quietly gone dormant. That simple “small” delay nearly scattered everything.

When money is there but you can’t touch it

Here’s what happened. A client had paid into an old account of mine. I logged in, and there it was money smiling at me from the screen. But when I tried to move it, the system said no. The account had been marked “dormant.”

No wahala, I thought. I’d just reactivate it. After all, how hard can it be?

That’s when the real wahala started.

The bank asked for documents.
BVN, ID card, CAC papers.

I sent everything same day. I was confident they’d fix it fast. But the account stayed locked.

Next day: “Sir, please send affidavit.”
Another day: “We also need updated TIN certificate.”
Another day again: “Sorry, our system is down.”

Every time I thought it was solved, they asked for one more thing. Meanwhile, time was running, my business partner was waiting, and frustration was boiling inside me.

The real test wasn’t the bank

At one point, I wanted to just flare up. Nigerian bank processes can test the patience of Job. Every day felt like sand slipping through my fingers.

But here’s the thing: shouting wouldn’t change anything. If anything, it would just spoil things more.

So I held back. I swallowed the anger, pushed through the process, and waited. Two full weeks later, my account officer finally called.

“Sir, good news. Your account is active now.”

Then she paused and added something I’ll never forget:
“Wait… are you the same Mr. Isaac who shares money stories on Instagram? I’ve been following you, and your lessons have helped me and my friends so much. Thank you.”

I just smiled.

Imagine if I had lost my cool, rained insults, or embarrassed her earlier. I would have destroyed my own testimony in front of someone who was silently learning from me.

That day, I learnt again: wealth is not just about money. Patience, respect, and integrity are wealth too.

Let’s be clear, though. Nigerian businesses deserve faster, better service.

Every delay costs real money. Every slow process kills momentum. When a bank takes two weeks to fix what should be same-day, it’s not just frustrating, it’s dangerous. Some entrepreneurs lose deals. Some SMEs lose clients. Some investors lose confidence.

Our financial systems must do better. We can’t keep punishing business owners with red tape while expecting the economy to grow.

But here’s the bitter truth: while we wait for systems to improve, we can’t allow bitterness or anger to spoil our own growth.

Why patience is part of wealth

Patience is not just “waiting.” Patience is how you behave while you wait.

It’s easy to be polite when everything is smooth. But your true character shows when things don’t go your way.

And in Nigeria, things will not always go your way. NEPA will take light in the middle of your presentation. Your bank app will freeze when you want to transfer. Your mechanic will promise “tomorrow” and show up next week.

If you lose yourself every time, you’ll destroy relationships, reputations, and even opportunities. But if you learn to handle delays with calm, you’ll stand out.

Because in a world where everybody is shouting, the calm one commands respect.

Lessons for entrepreneurs and everyday Nigerians

So, what can you take away from my small wahala with that dormant account?

1. Keep your accounts active. Don’t abandon old accounts, especially if clients or customers may still use them. Make sure they stay alive with small transactions.
2. Always have a backup. Don’t rely on only one account or one bank. Spread risk. That way, if one channel locks up, you can still move.
3. Document everything. Nigerian banks will ask for ID, BVN, CAC, TIN, and affidavit. Keep these updated so you’re not running helter-skelter when you need money fast.
4. Relationships matter. Don’t look down on your account officers. Build rapport. Respect them. Sometimes their personal effort is what unlocks the system.
5. Guard your integrity. You don’t know who is watching you, learning from you, or quietly being influenced by you. Don’t destroy your reputation in five minutes of anger.

Wealth is bigger than money

When I finally got access to the funds, yes, I was relieved. But more importantly, I was grateful for the lesson.

Money in the bank is important, but money is not the only wealth. The kind of person you are while handling stress is wealth. The way you treat people when you’re under pressure is wealth.

Because money can open doors, but integrity keeps them open.

So as we all hustle, grow businesses, and chase opportunities in Nigeria, let’s also build the hidden wealth: patience, respect, and character.

Because one day, that wealth will save you more than money can.