Billionaire Aminu Dantata Passes Away at 94 in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, UAE — The Nigerian business community is in mourning following the death of Alhaji Aminu Dantata, a revered industrialist, philanthropist, and one of the country’s oldest billionaires. He passed away peacefully in Abu Dhabi at the age of 94, surrounded by family members.

His death was confirmed in an official statement released by the Dantata family on Saturday morning.

A Towering Legacy in Nigerian Business

Alhaji Aminu Dantata was the chairman of the Dantata Organization, a conglomerate with investments across oil and gas, construction, agriculture, real estate, banking, and trading. He was one of the few surviving members of the first generation of Northern Nigerian businessmen who shaped the country’s post-independence economy.

Born in Kano State in 1931, Aminu was the son of legendary merchant Alhassan Dantata, widely recognized as one of the wealthiest men in West Africa in the early 20th century.

After inheriting the family enterprise, Aminu expanded its influence across Nigeria and internationally, becoming a powerful figure in both commerce and national policy circles.

Philanthropy and Public Service

Beyond business, Dantata was deeply involved in philanthropy, funding the construction of mosques, schools, hospitals, and sponsoring the education of thousands of students across Nigeria. He also served on the boards of several national institutions, including Jaiz Bank, Nigerian Industrial Development Bank (NIDB), and the Northern Nigeria Development Corporation (NNDC).

“Alhaji Aminu Dantata was not just a businessman — he was a bridge-builder and nation-builder,” said business magnate Aliko Dangote, who called Dantata “a mentor and father figure.”

Tributes Pour In

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement issued by the Presidency, described Dantata as “a symbol of integrity, humility, and enterprise who dedicated his life to nation-building.”

Governors, senators, business leaders, and royal figures from across Nigeria have also paid tribute, acknowledging his impact on Nigeria’s development and his dedication to humanitarian causes.

“His quiet philanthropy touched lives in every region of this country,” noted Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, who also declared three days of mourning.

Final Arrangements and Burial

The Dantata family has announced that funeral prayers will be held in Kano, in accordance with Islamic rites. A delegation from the Federal Government is expected to attend alongside dignitaries from across the country and the diaspora.

End of an Era

Alhaji Aminu Dantata’s death marks the end of an era for Nigeria’s indigenous industrial movement. As one of the few businessmen who successfully bridged the pre- and post-independence economies, his story remains a blueprint for entrepreneurship rooted in culture, community, and national progress.

NewsHouz extends heartfelt condolences to the Dantata family and all those impacted by his passing.