Prominent Kano Business Mogul Aminu Dantata Dies at 94

Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, a respected Kano entrepreneur, philanthropist, and member of Northern Nigeria’s iconic Dantata dynasty, has passed away at the age of 94. His death was confirmed early Saturday morning, June 28, 2025, by his Principal Private Secretary, Mustapha Abdullahi Junaid, who announced:

“Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of our beloved father… May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus and forgive his shortcomings. The Janazah details will be shared later, insha’Allah.”

Born on May 19, 1931, in Kano, Dantata was the youngest son in a family led by his father, the legendary merchant Alhassan Dantata. Over his nearly century-long life, he built a diversified business empire spanning petroleum, construction, real estate, banking, agriculture, and manufacturing. He founded Express Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd and was instrumental in establishing Jaiz Bank, Nigeria’s first non-interest bank. Dantata also held several public and advisory positions, including serving as Kano State Commissioner for Planning and Development (1967–1972) and contributing to the 1978 Constitution Drafting Committee.

A dedicated philanthropist, he quietly funded educational institutions, healthcare facilities, mosques, and humanitarian projects throughout Northern Nigeria—his contributions included funding the Alhassan Dantata Haemodialysis Centre at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and serving as the inaugural Chancellor of Al-Qalam University in Katsina. Funeral arrangements will follow Islamic rites, and further details will be announced by the family.