Nigerian Business Mogul, Aminu Dantata is dead

The philanthropist passed away at the age of 94 at about 3 am on Saturday at a hospital in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after a brief illness.

The news of the billionaire businessman’s demise was disclosed via a social media post on Saturday by the Deputy National Treasurer of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Uba Tanko Mijinyawa.

According to him, details of the Muslim funeral prayer (Jana’iza) for Dantata will be announced in due course.

“Inna Lillahi wa’inna ilaihi Raji’un. Allah ya yi wa babanmu Dattijo, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, rasuwa. Muna addu’a Allah ya jikan sa, ya gafarta masa. Za a sanar da lokacin jana’izarsa,” Tanko wrote in Hausa language.

Tanko’s message about the late philanthropist, who is also an uncle to Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, was translated as “Indeed, we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return. May Allah have mercy on our father and elder, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata. We pray for his forgiveness. The time of his funeral will be announced.”

Also confirming the news, his Principal Private Secretary, Mustapha Abdullahi Junaid, disclosed in a statement Saturday morning that the Janazah details will be shared later.

Junaid wrote, “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.”

Who was Aminu Dantata?

Born on May 19, 1931, in Kano, Alhaji Aminu Dantata was a major figure in Nigeria’s business landscape for decades.

He was a respected industrialist and a key player in the country’s private sector growth.

Alhaji Aminu Dantata, who was the founder of Express Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd., is also credited with having played a key role in the establishment of Nigeria’s first non-interest (Islamic) bank, Jaiz Bank

Dantata spent fortunes in education, emancipation, skills acquisition, and economic empowerment of the youths.

His disposition to ensuring peace and harmony among businessmen and politicians in Kano, and Nigeria at large, remained unequaled.

He also also contributed his quota in public service. He served in the Kano state government.

He was also a member of the Constitution Drafting Committee that prepared Nigeria’s 1979 Constitution.

Dantata was also known to have contributed immensely to the growth of Islam.

He was an uncle to the richest African man, Aliko Dangote.

Seven children and many grandchildren survive him. Among his children is Alhaji Tajuddeen Aminu Dantata