Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, is dead. He died at the age of 94.
The news of his passing was announced on Saturday by his Principal Private Secretary, Mustapha Abdullahi Junaid, in a post on Facebook.
“With a heavy heart, I announce the passing of our beloved father, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus. Details of his Janazah will be communicated later, insha Allah,” the statement read.
Similarly, the Deputy National Treasurer of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Uba Tanko Mijinyawa, also confirmed the development via a separate Facebook post.
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. Allah ya yi wa babanmu Dattijo, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, rasuwa. Muna rokon Allah ya gafarta masa,” he wrote, offering prayers for the deceased and noting that information about the burial will be announced in due time.
Alhaji Dantata was the founder of Express Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd and played a significant role in Nigeria’s private sector development. He was a respected elder and a member of the prominent Dantata family in Kano.
Born on May 19, 1931, he was the son of the legendary Alhaji Alhassan Dantata, one of the richest African merchants of the early 20th century, and a relative of business tycoon Aliko Dangote.
Throughout his lifetime, Aminu Dantata made remarkable contributions to the growth of commerce and industry in Nigeria. He expanded the family’s business legacy across several sectors including oil and gas, construction, manufacturing, real estate, banking, and agriculture.
He was also known for his strong support for Islamic education, community development, and philanthropic activities.
His death marks the end of an era in Nigeria’s business history.
