Tributes pour in for the Nigerian billionaire known for philanthropy, humility and enterprise
Medina, Saudi Arabia – Aminu Dantata, one of Nigeria’s wealthiest and most respected businessmen, is set to be laid to rest in the holy city of Medina, Saudi Arabia, following his passing on Saturday in the United Arab Emirates at the age of 94.
The billionaire industrialist, uncle to Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, died in Abu Dhabi. His body has since been transported to Medina, where he will be buried later today with the approval of Saudi authorities.
The city, revered as the resting place of the Prophet Muhammad, held deep spiritual significance for Dantata, who had expressed a lifelong wish to be buried there.
President Bola Tinubu led tributes to the late magnate, describing his death as a “monumental national loss.” In a statement, the president praised Dantata’s “sterling contributions to Nigeria’s growth and development” through decades of enterprise, selfless service, and philanthropy.
A Life of Enterprise and Service
Aminu Dantata was a towering figure in Nigerian commerce, with business interests spanning agriculture, real estate, construction and manufacturing. He began his entrepreneurial journey in the 1940s trading kola nuts and groundnuts, quickly establishing a reputation for astute business acumen.
Born into a lineage of wealth and industry, Dantata was the son of Alhassan Dantata, who was once regarded as the richest man in West Africa. Despite his considerable fortune, Aminu Dantata remained deeply connected to his roots, residing in one of the poorest neighbourhoods in Kano, mirroring the lifestyle of his parents.
He took over the family business in the 1950s at the age of 17, following in the footsteps of his elder brother, Ahmadu Dantata. Under his leadership, the business expanded significantly, contributing to the industrial development of northern Nigeria.
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Education and Early Training
Dantata’s educational foundation was grounded in Islamic studies, before he attended a secondary school built by his father in Kano. In a widely-viewed interview with Trust TV last year, he reflected on his early training in business:
“In our family, a child starts learning how to earn money from as early as five, six or seven years old, during school breaks, our father would use the time to teach us how to do business.,” he recalled.
This early immersion in commerce would shape a lifelong commitment to industry, investment and empowerment.
A Philanthropist at Heart
Though widely admired for his business acumen, Dantata was equally revered for his generosity. He was known across Nigeria for his wide-reaching philanthropic efforts. In 2024, he donated 1.5 billion naira (approximately £710,000) to victims of devastating floods in Borno State, underscoring his compassion and commitment to humanitarian causes.
Dantata also played a discreet but significant role in national politics. His counsel was frequently sought by political figures, particularly in the lead-up to elections. A video showing President Tinubu bowing to greet him in the run-up to the 2023 general election went viral, capturing his enduring influence.
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Final Journey
A special prayer session was held in Kano, his lifelong home, in honour of his memory. Dignitaries including two Nigerian state governors and four federal ministers have travelled to Medina to attend his funeral.
Dantata is survived by three wives, 21 children and an extraordinary legacy through 121 grandchildren. His burial in Medina marks the end of an era in Nigerian business, philanthropy, and tradition.
As Nigeria mourns the passing of a titan, Aminu Dantata will be remembered not only for his wealth, but for his wisdom, humility and unwavering dedication to community and faith.
