Alhaji Aminu Dantata Dies at 93, Buried in Saudi Arabia After Rare Burial Approval

Alhaji Aminu Dantata, one of Nigeria’s wealthiest businessmen and revered elder statesmen, has passed away at the age of 93. His death marks the end of an era in Northern Nigeria’s business and philanthropic landscape.

The prominent Kano-born billionaire and industrialist reportedly died peacefully in Saudi Arabia, where he had been receiving medical attention. Following his death, the Dantata family made a historic request to bury the patriarch in the holy city of Makkah—a request rarely granted to non-Saudis.

Saudi Arabia Grants Special Burial Permit for Alhaji Dantata

In an extraordinary gesture, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia approved the burial of Alhaji Aminu Dantata in Makkah, Islam’s holiest city. This type of approval is seldom given to foreigners, regardless of their influence or wealth

Sources close to the Dantata family confirmed that the Saudi authorities gave the nod due to Alhaji Dantata’s devout Islamic faith, philanthropic legacy, and longstanding relationship with the Kingdom. The burial took place in accordance with Islamic rites, within 24 hours of his death, as is customary in Islam.

Life and Legacy of Alhaji Aminu Dantata

Born in 1931 into the prestigious Dantata family of Kano, Aminu Dantata was a son of the legendary Alhassan Dantata—the wealthiest man in West Africa in the early 20th century.

Alhaji Aminu Dantata carried forward his father’s legacy, expanding their business empire into construction, oil, real estate, and international trade. He served as a director of several national corporations and was a major shareholder in many commercial institutions.

He also played a role in national politics and governance, serving under the regime of General Yakubu Gowon in the 1970s. Despite his immense wealth, he remained humble, charitable, and deeply religious.

A Lifetime of Philanthropy and Service

Alhaji Dantata was widely known for his quiet philanthropy. Over the decades, he funded countless schools, mosques, boreholes, and health centers across Northern Nigeria. His support for Islamic education and indigent families earned him love and respect far beyond the business community.

In his later years, he withdrew from public appearances, focusing more on worship and service to humanity. Family members revealed that he had expressed a personal wish to be buried in Makkah if he died during a visit to the Holy Land—a wish that was eventually honored.

Nigeria Mourns, Tributes Pour In

Following the news of his death, tributes poured in from political, business, and religious leaders across the country. The Kano State Government described his passing as a “monumental loss,” while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extolled his virtues as a “national asset and father figure.”

His funeral prayer was conducted at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, attended by close family members, Nigerian pilgrims, and Saudi officials.

Conclusion

The passing of Alhaji Aminu Dantata is not only a loss to the Dantata dynasty but to Nigeria and Africa at large. His rare Saudi burial approval further underscores the international respect he earned in his lifetime.

As the sun sets on an icon of business, faith, and philanthropy, Nigeria bids farewell to a man whose legacy will endure for generations.