NIGERIAN BUSINESS ICON ALHAJI AMINU DANTATA PASSES AWAY AT 94
Renowned Nigerian billionaire and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, has passed away at the age of 94.
His death was confirmed on Saturday through a social media post by Uba Tanko Mijinyawa, the Deputy National Treasurer of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).
Mijinyawa wrote in Hausa: “Inna Lillahi wa’inna ilaihi Raji’un. Allah ya yi wa babanmu Dattijo, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, rasuwa. Muna addu’a Allah ya jikan sa, ya gafarta masa. Za a sanar da lokacin jana’izarsa.”
The message translates: “Indeed, we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return. May Allah have mercy on our father and elder, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata. We pray for his forgiveness. The time of his funeral will be announced.”
Also confirming the demise, his Principal Private Secretary, Mustapha Abdullahi Junaid, issued a statement expressing grief. “It is with 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 details will be shared later, insha Allah,” Junaid stated.
Alhaji Aminu Dantata, the founder of Express Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd., was widely respected for his contributions to commerce, philanthropy, and Islamic finance in Nigeria. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of Jaiz Bank, Nigeria’s first non-interest (Islamic) bank.
He was also a close uncle of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, and was revered as a custodian of the Dantata family’s legacy in commerce and community development.
Further details regarding funeral arrangements will be communicated by the family in due course.
