Nigerian billionaire and industrialist, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, has passed away at the age of 94. He died around 3:00 a.m. on Saturday at a hospital in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, following a brief illness.
The news of his death was first confirmed by Uba Tanko Mijinyawa, Deputy National Treasurer of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), in a social media post on Saturday.
“Inna Lillahi wa’inna ilaihi Raji’un. Allah ya yi wa babanmu Dattijo, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, rasuwa,” Mijinyawa wrote in Hausa, expressing prayers for the late philanthropist’s soul. He noted that funeral (Jana’iza) arrangements would be announced soon.
Dantata’s Principal Private Secretary, Mustapha Abdullahi Junaid, also confirmed the passing in a statement. “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of our beloved father… May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus and forgive his shortcomings. The Janazah details will be shared later, insha Allah,” he said.
A Legacy of Industry, Philanthropy, and Public Service
Born on May 19, 1931, in Kano, Aminu Dantata was a towering figure in Nigeria’s economic development and private sector advancement. As a pioneering industrialist, he founded Express Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd., and was instrumental in the establishment of Nigeria’s first Islamic bank, Jaiz Bank.
Beyond business, Dantata was deeply involved in philanthropy, investing heavily in education, skills development, youth empowerment, and humanitarian causes across Nigeria. His influence extended to politics and governance, as he served in the Kano State Government and was a member of the Constitution Drafting Committee that formulated the 1979 Nigerian Constitution.
He was also widely respected for fostering harmony between business and political communities, particularly in the northern region.
A devout Muslim and promoter of Islamic values, Dantata was an uncle to Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
He is survived by seven children, including Alhaji Tajuddeen Aminu Dantata, and numerous grandchildren.
Funeral details will be announced in due course.
