By Ude Emmanuel
Nigeria has lost one of its most revered business titans and philanthropists, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, who passed away at the age of 94. The elder statesman and patriarch of the famed Dantata family died peacefully on Sunday in Kano State, surrounded by loved ones. His death marks the end of an era for both the business world and the broader socio-political landscape of Northern Nigeria.
Born in 1931 in Kano, Aminu Dantata was a scion of the legendary Dantata dynasty — a family synonymous with commerce, wealth, and philanthropy in West Africa. He was the son of Alhassan Dantata, one of the richest men in Africa during the colonial period. Following in his father’s footsteps, Aminu built a powerful legacy of enterprise, integrity, and service that spanned several decades and industries.
Dantata began his professional journey in the family business, Alhassan Dantata & Sons, taking over leadership in the 1960s. Under his guidance, the company expanded its footprint across the country, venturing into construction, agriculture, oil and gas, banking, and real estate. He was instrumental in the founding and growth of Jaiz Bank, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, and other significant economic ventures.
But beyond boardrooms and business empires, Aminu Dantata was deeply committed to community development. His philanthropic activities were both quiet and impactful. He supported education, healthcare, and Islamic scholarship, funding the construction of schools, hospitals, and mosques, especially in the North. His foundation awarded countless scholarships to underprivileged youth, and his generosity was felt across religious and ethnic divides.
Dantata also served his country in public service. He was appointed as a Commissioner for Trade and Industry in Kano State during the military era and played a critical role in policy formulation for regional commerce. Despite his wealth and influence, he maintained a humble and deeply spiritual lifestyle, earning him the admiration of both elites and ordinary Nigerians.
Tributes have poured in from across the nation. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement, described Dantata as “a national treasure whose wisdom, humility, and enterprise contributed immensely to Nigeria’s economic foundation.” Governors, traditional rulers, business leaders, and religious figures have also paid their respects, highlighting his unwavering dedication to the progress of Nigeria.
Aminu Dantata is survived by wives, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren — many of whom have continued his legacy in both business and philanthropy. He was buried on Sunday in accordance with Islamic rites after Janazah prayers at the Emir’s Palace Mosque in Kano.
As Nigeria reflects on his passing, Aminu Dantata’s life remains a beacon of what it means to build wealth with purpose and to serve humanity with dignity. His name will forever be etched in the annals of Nigerian history.
