Legendary Business Mogul Aminu Dantata Passes Away at 94
Nigeria has lost one of its most iconic business figures. Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, the highly respected Kano-born entrepreneur, philanthropist, and elder statesman, has passed away at the age of 94.
His death was announced on Saturday, June 28, by his private secretary, Mustapha Abdullahi-Junaid, who shared the news with heartfelt words:
“Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. 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. Details of the Janazah will be shared later, in sha Allah.”
According to sources close to the family, Aminu Dantata passed away peacefully in the early hours of Saturday in Abuja.
Born on May 19, 1931, Aminu Dantata was the son of Alhassan Dantata, one of the wealthiest merchants in West Africa during the early 20th century. Building on this legacy, Aminu played a vital role in transforming the family’s trading empire into a diversified conglomerate.
Over the years, he expanded their business interests into key sectors including construction, manufacturing, banking and finance, real estate, petroleum and Oil & Gas, etcetera.
His visionary leadership and strategic investments not only solidified the Dantata name in Nigerian commerce but also opened doors for many aspiring entrepreneurs and civic leaders across the country.
Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Dantata was a respected public figure. He served in various leadership roles within the public and private sectors, and was a member of the Constitution Drafting Committee responsible for preparing Nigeria’s 1979 Constitution.
He was also known for his deep commitment to Islamic scholarship, education, and humanitarian causes—funding schools, mosques, and healthcare initiatives throughout Northern Nigeria.
