Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance and the Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, has passed away.
Family sources confirmed that the elder statesman died on Thursday in Abuja after a lifetime devoted to public service and national development.
Alhaji served as Minister of Finance under the military administration of former President General Ibrahim Babangida and occupied several key positions in the federal civil service, where he earned a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished public administrators.
Throughout his decades-long career, he played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s economic policies and governance structures. Before his appointment as finance minister, he served as Permanent Secretary in several federal ministries, including the Ministry of National Planning.
He also served as Secretary of the National Economic Intelligence Committee and remained actively involved in national affairs after leaving public office.
A native of Sokoto State, Alhaji held the prestigious traditional title of Sardaunan Sokoto in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Sokoto Caliphate and the nation.
He received his early education at Barewa College, Zaria, before obtaining a degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
He later earned a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh in the United States.
Tributes have continued to pour in from political leaders, traditional rulers, former colleagues and associates, who described him as a patriotic Nigerian, an exemplary administrator and a mentor whose contributions to the nation’s public service will be remembered for generations.
The family is expected to announce funeral arrangements in accordance with Islamic rites. He is survived by his children, grandchildren and other family members.
