BREAKING: Nigerian Billionaire Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata Dies at 93 in Dubai
Nigerian business mogul and philanthropist Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata has passed away at the age of 93. His Personal Private Secretary, Mustapha Abdullahi Junaid, confirmed his death on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
In a statement released to the public, Junaid wrote: “Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. With a heavy heart, 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.”
According to family sources, Dantata died in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where he had been receiving medical treatment. His passing marks the end of an era in Nigerian commerce and philanthropy, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where he was regarded as a father figure and a symbol of integrity.
Born in 1931 into the prominent Dantata family of Kano, Aminu was the last surviving son of Alhassan Dantata, a legendary merchant who was widely credited as one of the wealthiest West Africans of his time. Aminu Dantata inherited the family legacy and expanded its reach by establishing successful ventures in construction, oil and gas, agriculture, and banking.
He founded Express Petroleum and Gas Company Limited and played a key role in creating Jaiz Bank, Nigeria’s first Islamic financial institution. Dantata also served in various national capacities and was widely respected for mentoring younger entrepreneurs, including his nephew, Aliko Dangote, who is Africa’s richest man.
Beyond his business achievements, Alhaji Dantata was known for his deep religious commitment and generosity. He contributed to the construction of mosques, schools, hospitals, and humanitarian causes throughout Nigeria and beyond. His contributions to education, religious tolerance, and social welfare earned him admiration across ethnic and religious divides.
Since the announcement of his death, tributes have poured in from political leaders, business executives, and religious clerics, who describe him as a pillar of wisdom, humility, and nation-building.
The family has stated that funeral (Janazah) arrangements will be communicated to the public in due course.
May his soul rest in peace, and may Allah grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
