Prominent Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, has died at the age of 94.
His passing was confirmed on Saturday via a Facebook post by his Principal Private Secretary, Mustapha Abdullahi Junaid, who wrote:
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of our beloved father, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata.
May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus and forgive his shortcomings.
The Janazah (funeral) details will be shared later, insha’Allah.”
Alhaji Aminu Dantata was the founder of Express Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd and a respected elder statesman in Nigeria’s business and civic spheres. Born on 19 May 1931, he was the son of the legendary merchant Alhaji Alhassan Dantata, once considered one of the wealthiest men in West Africa.
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Aminu Dantata played a pivotal role in the expansion of the family business, diversifying into sectors including construction, manufacturing, agriculture, banking, and oil & gas. His legacy also includes substantial investments in real estate and finance.
He served in the Kano State Government and was a member of the Constitution Drafting Committee responsible for Nigeria’s 1979 Constitution. Widely admired for his humility, devotion to Islam, and philanthropic work, he funded countless initiatives through his foundation, supporting education, healthcare, and community development throughout Northern Nigeria.
He was also the paternal uncle of Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s grandfather, further cementing his position within one of Nigeria’s most influential dynasties.
Tributes have poured in from across the nation. Uba Tanko, Deputy National Treasurer of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), honoured Dantata’s enduring legacy in a heartfelt social media post.
Though initial reports were conflicting, multiple sources have confirmed that Alhaji Dantata passed away on Friday in a hospital in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Funeral arrangements (Janazah) will be communicated by the family in due course.
