* As Senator Bukola Saraki, others mourn
Nigeria’s most influential businessmen and philanthropists, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2025, only 43 days after celebrating his 94th birthday.
News of his death was confirmed by his long-time aide, Mustapha Abdullahi Junaid. “Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun. It is with heavy heart that I announce the passing of our beloved father Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata,” he wrote, adding that burial arrangements would be announced in due course.
Tributes have since poured in from across Nigeria, with many describing Dantata not only as a symbol of immense wealth but also as a beacon of generational prosperity whose impact stretched beyond his hometown of Kano.
Born on May 19, 1931, Dantata was the 15th of 17 children in a family with a storied history in commerce and enterprise. He was the son of Alhassan Dantata, a legendary merchant who laid the foundation of a business empire that would span generations. The Dantata family lineage traces back to Katsina before settling in Bebeji, Kano State.
Aminu Dantata began his education at Dala Primary School in 1938 and completed his studies in 1949 through home education at a private school established by his father.
He joined the family business, Alhassan Dantata & Sons, in 1948 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the head of the company in 1960 after the death of his brother and former managing director, Ahmadu Dantata.
Under his leadership, the Dantata business empire expanded its interests across several industries, including construction, petroleum, finance, and manufacturing. He was the founder of Express Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd and played a significant role in the establishment of Jaiz Bank, Nigeria’s first non-interest banking institution.
His influence extended to public service. In 1968, he was appointed Kano State Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, and Industry under Governor Audu Bako. He also served on the board of the Nigerian Industrial Development Bank and was part of Nigeria’s first global economic mission after independence.
During Nigeria’s indigenisation policy era in the 1970s, Dantata’s companies acquired stakes in prominent firms such as Mentholatum, SCOA, Funtua Cotton Seed Crushing Company, and Raleigh Industries.
Despite his vast wealth, Dantata remained a humble and deeply religious man. He was widely recognised for his philanthropy, especially through the Kano State Foundation, which supported education and entrepreneurship.
He is often credited with providing the seed capital that helped his relative, Aliko Dangote, become Africa’s richest man.
Many remember him as not just a businessman but a pillar of community development and a benefactor whose legacy will endure for generations.
Musa Abdillah, a Kano-based resident, described Dantata as “a source of wealth and prosperity for many,” noting that his legacy “goes beyond riches – it lies in the lives he touched and the opportunities he created.”
As Nigeria mourns the passing of this extraordinary figure, preparations for his funeral are underway. Family members and associates say details of the Janazah will be announced shortly.
Meanwhile, a former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has expressed sorrow over the death of Alhaji Dantata.
He described him as a towering figure whose life embodied service, humility, and nation-building.
Reacting to the news, Saraki said he woke up to the painful announcement of Dantata’s passing, noting that Nigeria has lost one of its finest statesmen and silent nation-builders.
“His passing marks the end of an era defined by principled leadership and lifelong dedication to service. His life was not just lived, it was invested in Nigeria’s progress and the upliftment of its people,” Saraki said in a statement.
He described Dantata as a man of “extraordinary substance” who, without seeking public attention, became a national pillar through his contributions to business, philanthropy, and moral leadership.
“Through enterprise, he helped build Nigeria’s economic foundation. Through philanthropy, he impacted countless lives. And through his character, he earned the respect of a nation,” he added.
Saraki also noted that Dantata was a father figure whose mentorship shaped his values.
“I am personally devastated by his passing. I learned a great deal from his calm wisdom, patience, and encouragement. His integrity and quiet strength shaped my outlook on leadership and service.”
He extended condolences to the Dantata family, the government and people of Kano State, and all Nigerians mourning the loss.
“May Almighty Allah (SWT), in His infinite mercy, grant Alhaji Aminu Dantata Aljannah Firdaus. Ameen.”