By Ghazali Ibrahim
Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, a prominent Nigerian businessman, philanthropist, and uncle to Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has died at the age of 94.
His death, which occurred in Abu Dhabi in the early hours of Saturday, was confirmed by family sources and his Principal Private Secretary, Mustapha Abdullahi Junaid.
Born on May 19, 1931, in Kano to legendary trader Alhassan Dantata, Aminu Dantata carved out a powerful legacy across multiple sectors including petroleum, finance, real estate, agriculture and construction.
He founded Express Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd and was instrumental in the launch of Jaiz Bank, Nigeria’s pioneering Islamic bank.
A public servant in his early years, Dantata served as a member of Nigeria’s Northern House of Assembly and later as Kano State’s Commissioner for Economic Development and Planning from 1967 to 1973.
He also played roles in national development, including participation in the committee that drafted Nigeria’s 1979 constitution.
Renowned for his philanthropy, he supported educational institutions like Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and held honorary positions such as Chancellor of Al-Qalam University, Katsina.
His contributions helped many underserved communities in Nigeria, often through capacity-building and empowerment efforts.
On social media, family and associates expressed deep sorrow.
The Deputy National Treasurer of NACCIMA, Uba Tanko Mijinyawa, conveyed condolences and confirmed funeral details would be announced later.
Dantata’s death marks the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most powerful and influential business families, his lineage includes his father, Alhassan Dantata, and grandnephew, Aliko Dangote, whose business empire spans the continent.
Funeral rites are expected to follow Islamic traditions, likely culminating with burial in Madina, Saudi Arabia.
President Bola Tinubu extended condolences, describing Dantata’s legacy as foundational to Nigeria’s industrial and philanthropic sectors.
