One of Nigeria’s most prominent businessmen, Aminu Dantata, is set to be buried in the holy city of Medina after passing away in the United Arab Emirates on Saturday at the age of 94.
Dantata, a revered figure in Nigeria’s business and philanthropic circles, was the uncle of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote. He leaves behind three wives, 21 children, and 121 grandchildren.
Saudi authorities approved his burial in Medina, fulfilling his personal wish to be laid to rest in the city where the Prophet Muhammad lived and died.
President Bola Tinubu described Dantata’s death as a “monumental national loss,” praising his decades of contributions to Nigeria’s economic development and generosity.
Dantata began his business career as a teenager in the 1940s, trading kola nuts and groundnuts. He went on to build a vast empire spanning agriculture, real estate, construction, and manufacturing.
Coming from a storied business lineage—his father Alhassan Dantata was once regarded as the wealthiest man in West Africa—Aminu Dantata was widely admired for his humility. Despite his wealth, he chose to remain in one of Kano’s poorest neighborhoods.
He was also a powerful political figure, with many Nigerian politicians traditionally seeking his blessing before elections. A video of President Tinubu bowing before him during the 2023 campaign drew national attention.
Dantata was deeply committed to philanthropy, donating 1.5 billion naira (around $970,000) to flood victims in Borno State in 2023.
A special prayer was held in his hometown of Kano, and two state governors along with Nigeria’s defence minister have traveled to Medina for his funeral.