Former Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, is dead.
His family confirmed his passing on Thursday in Abuja.
Alhaji served as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance between 1990 and 1991 under the military administration of former President Ibrahim Babangida.
Before his appointment as Finance Minister, he served as Minister of State for Budget and Planning in 1988. He also held the positions of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
Renowned for his distinguished career in public service, Alhaji occupied several strategic positions in both the civil service and the corporate sector, earning a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished administrators.
Beyond his government service, he was the Sardaunan Sokoto, one of the most prestigious traditional titles in the Sokoto Caliphate. He was turbaned in 1990, succeeding the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello.
In his role as Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji was widely regarded as a bridge between government, the traditional institution and the people, contributing significantly to national development and the preservation of Northern Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
Details surrounding his death are yet to be disclosed by the family.
