Prominent Kano businessman and well-known philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, is dead. He died at the age of 94.
The sad news was announced on Saturday through a heartfelt post on Facebook by his Principal Private Secretary, Mustapha Abdullahi Junaid.
“It is with 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.
“The Janazah details will be shared later insha Allah,” Junaid wrote.
Dantata, who made a name for himself in the Nigerian business world, was the founder of Express Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd. He was also a close family relative of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, as he was the brother of Dangote’s grandfather.
Born on May 19, 1931, Dantata came from the wealthy and respected Dantata family of Kano. His father, Alhaji Alhassan Dantata, was among the richest businessmen in West Africa during the early 1900s.
Over his long life, Aminu Dantata built on the legacy of his father. He grew the family business into a major group with interests in oil, banking, construction, agriculture, real estate, and manufacturing. His companies were part of Nigeria’s development across many sectors.
Aside from business, he also played important roles in public service. He once served in the Kano State Government and was part of the committee that worked on Nigeria’s 1979 Constitution. Many young entrepreneurs looked up to him for guidance.
Known for his religious devotion and generosity, Dantata used his wealth to support social causes. He supported education, healthcare, religion, and welfare projects in Northern Nigeria. He helped fund schools, mosques, hospitals, and orphanages through his personal efforts and foundation.
His passing was also noted by Uba Tanko, the Deputy National Treasurer of NACCIMA, who wrote a tribute online to honor his memory and lifelong achievements.
Although early reports differed about the location of his death, several sources later confirmed that he died at a hospital in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Friday.
