Billionaire businessman and elder statesman Aminu Alhassan Dantata has passed away at the age of 94.
His longtime aide, Mustapha Junaid, confirmed the news in a statement early Saturday.
“Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun. Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun. 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 details will be shared later insha Allah,” Junaid wrote.
Who is Dantata
Dantata, a granduncle to Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, came from a legendary lineage of wealth and entrepreneurship. His father, Alhassan Dantata, widely regarded as Nigeria’s first millionaire, was one of West Africa’s most prominent traders in the early 20th century. Alhassan is also the great-grandfather of Dangote.
Aminu Dantata carved out his legacy as a business pioneer and philanthropist. He served as Kano State’s Commissioner for Planning and Development from 1967 to 1972 but was best known for his role in shaping northern Nigeria’s business landscape.
He founded Express Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd and played a leading role in establishing Jaiz Bank, Nigeria’s first non-interest financial institution. He was also the inaugural Chancellor of Al-Qalam University, Katsina.
Dantata’s philanthropic efforts were widespread. He championed educational and economic empowerment initiatives, especially through the Kano State Endowment Fund. He was also a major benefactor to health institutions, notably donating the Alhassan Dantata Haemodialysis Centre to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
His death marks the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most influential business dynasties. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in due course by the family.
