Aminu Dantata (1931–2025): A Giant of Commerce, Philanthropy, and Nation Building Passes Away at 94

Katsina TIMES | KANO, NIGERIA 

Nigeria has lost one of its most iconic business magnates and philanthropists, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, who passed away on June 28, 2025, at the age of 94 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Early Life and Education

Born on May 19, 1931, in Kano, Aminu Dantata was the son of the legendary merchant Alhassan Dantata, one of West Africa’s wealthiest traders of his time. He attended Dala Primary School and the Dantata English–Arabic School, before joining the family business in his teenage years.

Business Empire and Industrial Footprint

In 1948, he began work as a produce buyer for Alhassan Dantata & Sons, becoming the Managing Director in 1960. Under his leadership, the company expanded across multiple sectors, including:

• Oil and Gas: Founder of Express Petroleum & Gas Ltd
• Construction, Real Estate, and Automotive Trading
• Banking: A pioneer behind Jaiz Bank, Nigeria’s first Islamic bank
• Agricultural inputs and menthol production

His business empire, later known as the Dantata Organization, became one of the most influential indigenous conglomerates in Northern Nigeria.

Public Service and Political Engagement

Alhaji Dantata was actively involved in national development through public service:

• Elected to the Northern Regional House of Assembly representing Kura Constituency (1960–1966)
• Served as Kano State Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade and Industry (1967–1972) under Governor Audu Bako
• Member of Nigeria’s Economic Mission to Europe (1961) and served on the Steering Committee of the Nigeria Industrial Development Bank
• Participated in the constitutional drafting process ahead of the 1979 Second Republic

Academic Contributions and National Honours

Aminu Dantata was the founding Chancellor of Al-Qalam University, Katsina, and recipient of numerous honorary doctorate degrees from top Nigerian universities including Ahmadu Bello University, Bayero University, and Usmanu Danfodiyo University.

He was decorated with several national honours, including:

• Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)
• Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR)
• Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR)

In 2023, the Maryam Abacha American University in Kano named its School of Health Sciences in his honour.

Philanthropy and Community Impact

Dantata's philanthropic legacy was far-reaching:

• Built the Alhassan Dantata Hemodialysis Centre at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital
• Donated ₦500 million towards the completion of the National Mosque in Abuja
• Contributed over ₦1.5 billion to flood victims in Borno State in 2024
• Funded hundreds of educational and health initiatives across the north

He was known for using his wealth to empower the poor and support faith-based initiatives.

Legacy and Passing

Widely recognized as a bridge-builder, Alhaji Dantata was a respected elder statesman who helped mediate disputes among Nigeria’s top businessmen and politicians. He was an uncle to Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, and served as a father figure and mentor to many.

His passing was met with an outpouring of tributes from across Nigeria. Political leaders, traditional rulers, and business executives praised his humility, generosity, vision, and lifelong commitment to national development.

From his humble beginnings in Kano to the pinnacle of commerce and philanthropy, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata embodied a legacy of enterprise, service, and compassion. His contributions have left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s business landscape and the hearts of millions he touched.

Nigeria mourns the loss of a legend.