Amanze ChinonyeNigeria has lost one of its foremost business icons and philanthropists, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, who passed away in the early hours of Saturday at the age of 94.
The Kano-born industrialist reportedly died in a hospital in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, after a period of illness.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelWidely regarded as one of the last titans of Nigeria’s early indigenous commercial era, Dantata’s death marks the end of a significant chapter in the nation’s business and philanthropic history.
A Life of Legacy
Born on 19 May 1931 in Kano State, Aminu Dantata was the son of Alhassan Dantata, one of West Africa’s wealthiest men in the early 20th century. Following in his father’s footsteps, Aminu inherited not just a fortune but a tradition of business acumen, philanthropy, and community leadership.
By age 16, Dantata had already begun learning the ropes of trade and logistics within the family’s vast commercial empire. After the death of his elder brother in 1960, Aminu took over leadership of the family business and significantly expanded its reach across sectors.
Business Empire & Might
Under his direction, the Dantata Group grew into one of the most influential indigenous conglomerates in Nigeria. His interests spanned across:
Construction and Real Estate: With Dantata & Sawoe Construction Ltd among the leading contractors in Nigeria.
Oil and Gas: As founder of Express Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd, he was one of the earliest indigenous players in Nigeria’s petroleum downstream sector.
Agriculture and Trading: Including groundnut pyramids in Kano and international commodity exports.
Banking and Finance: He played a key role in the establishment of Jaiz Bank, Nigeria’s first Islamic bank, and served on the boards of several financial institutions.
Public Service & Statesmanship
Though primarily known for his private-sector impact, Dantata also served in public office. He was:
A member of the Northern House of Assembly from 1960 to 1966.
Commissioner for Trade and Industry in Kano State from 1968 to 1973.
A member of the 1979 Constitution Drafting Committee, reflecting his influence beyond business into national development.
Philanthropy and Islamic Values
A devout Muslim, Dantata was known for his low-profile but impactful charity work. He contributed generously to:
The construction of mosques, schools, and health centers across Northern Nigeria.
Humanitarian responses, including a ₦1.5 billion donation to flood victims in Borno State in 2022.
Islamic scholarship, education, and Zakat (almsgiving) foundations.
He also served as the chancellor of Al-Qalam University, Katsina, a leading Islamic university in Nigeria.
Family and Personal Life
Alhaji Aminu Dantata was married with several children and grandchildren, many of whom are active in business, politics, and academia. He was also the uncle of Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, whose business philosophy is said to have been partly inspired by Dantata’s principles.
Though wealthy, Dantata lived modestly and often expressed contentment with what he had. In a viral 2023 interview, he said, “I am only waiting for death to come.” The statement shocked many but also symbolized a man at peace with his legacy.
An Enduring Legacy
Alhaji Aminu Dantata will be remembered as a pioneering Nigerian businessman who upheld traditional values while navigating the complexities of modern commerce. His life story is one of generational stewardship, enterprise, and service to humanity.
As Nigeria mourns his departure, many will reflect on the towering influence he had on business, governance, and community development and the void he leaves behind.
Reactions to His Death
Tributes have poured in from across Nigeria and beyond. President Bola Tinubu described the late Dantata as a monumental national loss, praising his decades-long contributions to Nigeria’s economic development, philanthropy, and public service.
The Northern Governors’ Forum described him as a “national pillar of integrity and vision,” while former Senate President Bukola Saraki called him “a beacon of leadership, values, and service.”
Former Kaduna South Senator, Shehu Sani, said Dantata was “a man of upright values and boundless compassion who touched the lives of millions of people spanning generations.” While noting that not everyone is so blessed with a combination of purposeful longevity, generous spirit and wealth of honour, he stated that the late business mogul was “an accomplished man who lived an exemplary life
Funeral arrangements are expected to follow Islamic rites, with the family set to announce burial details soon.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
