Prominent Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, has passed away at the age of 94.
His aide, Mustapha Junaid, confirmed the news in the early hours of Saturday in a heartfelt message.
“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. Janazah details will be shared in due course, insha Allah,” the statement read.
Dantata, a towering figure in northern Nigeria’s business and philanthropic circles, was a granduncle to Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote.
His father, Alhassan Dantata, widely regarded as Nigeria’s first millionaire, laid the foundation for a family legacy of wealth and enterprise that has spanned generations.
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Alhassan was also the great-grandfather of Dangote.
Aminu Dantata served as Commissioner for Planning and Development in Kano State from 1967 to 1972, but his enduring impact was in commerce. He founded Express Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd and played a key role in the establishment of Jaiz Bank, Nigeria’s first non-interest bank.
Beyond business, he was deeply committed to education and community development.
He was the pioneer Chancellor of Al-Qalam University in Katsina and a major backer of the Kano State Endowment Fund, which provides educational support and grants for small businesses.
His philanthropic contributions include donations to numerous institutions across Kano, most notably the Alhassan Dantata Haemodialysis Centre at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
