Alhaji Aminu Dantata, a well-known business magnate, philanthropist, and elder statesman, died at the age of 94.
Dantata passed away in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, early on Saturday morning, according to family sources. Sanusi and Nanah, his grandchildren, shared the news on Facebook and X (previously Twitter), which sparked a national outpouring of condolences.
Dantata was the last living child of the renowned trader Alhassan Dantata till his passing. In addition to his vast economic empire, he was well-known for his unwavering dedication to humanitarian causes.
He gained notoriety in September 2024 when he donated N1.5 billion to help Borno State flood victims.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced soon by the Dantata family.
Born in Kano in 1931, Aminu Dantata began his business journey at the age of 18 as a produce buyer for Alhassan Dantata and Sons Limited. He rose through the ranks to become the Chairman and Managing Director of the company, with business interests spanning agriculture, real estate, manufacturing, and construction.
Dantata’s influence also extended into governance and public service. In 1962, he joined the Steering Committee of the Nigeria Industrial Development Bank and was later appointed to its board of directors. He served as a member of the Northern House of Assembly in 1966 and became a commissioner in the Kano State Government from 1967 to 1973.
He played a key role in national development, including serving on the Constitution Drafting Committee that helped shape Nigeria’s Second Republic in 1979. A respected education advocate, Dantata was the Chancellor of Al-Qalam University and held multiple honorary degrees.
Dantata was also an uncle to Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, and was widely regarded as a mentor and pillar of the Nigerian business community.
Tributes have begun pouring in from political leaders, business stakeholders, and citizens across Nigeria and beyond, as the nation mourns the loss of one of its most illustrious figures.
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