Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, one of Nigeria’s most prominent businessmen and philanthropists, has died at the age of 94.
His passing was confirmed on Saturday by his personal aide, Mustapha Junaid, who issued a heartfelt statement:
Help wrote, “Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. With deep sorrow, we announce the death of our beloved father, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus. Details of his Janazah will be communicated in due time, insha Allah.”
Aminu Dantata was a towering figure in Nigerian commerce and hailed from a lineage of great influence.
He was the granduncle of Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, and the son of the legendary Alhassan Dantata—widely regarded as Nigeria’s first millionaire and a dominant force in West African trade during the early 20th century.
Throughout his life, Aminu Dantata blended entrepreneurship with public service. He served as Kano State’s Commissioner for Planning and Development between 1967 and 1972.
He later founded Express Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd, establishing himself as a major player in the oil and gas sector.
Dantata was also instrumental in the creation of Jaiz Bank, Nigeria’s first non-interest bank, and served as the pioneer Chancellor of Al-Qalam University, Katsina.
