Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance and the Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, has died.
Family sources confirmed that the elder statesman died on Thursday in Abuja after a lifetime of distinguished service to Nigeria.
Alhaji served as Minister of Finance during the administration of former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, and held several strategic positions in the federal public service.
He was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished public administrators, having made significant contributions to economic policy, governance and national development.
A native of Sokoto State, he held the revered traditional title of Sardaunan Sokoto in recognition of his outstanding service to the Sokoto Caliphate and the nation.
Alhaji attended Barewa College, Zaria, before earning a degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He later obtained a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh in the United States.
During his illustrious career, he served as Permanent Secretary in several federal ministries, including the Ministry of National Planning, before his appointment as Minister of Finance.
He also served as Secretary of the National Economic Intelligence Committee and remained actively engaged in public affairs after leaving government service.
News of his death has attracted tributes from political leaders, traditional rulers, former colleagues and associates, who described him as a patriotic Nigerian, an exceptional administrator and a mentor to generations of public servants.
The family is expected to announce funeral arrangements in line with Islamic rites.
He is survived by his children, grandchildren and other family members.