Business Icon Aminu Dantata dies at 94
Nigeria has lost one of its most influential businessmen and philanthropists, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, who passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2025, just 43 days after celebrating his 94th birthday.
The sad news was confirmed by his long-time aide, Mustapha Abdullahi Junaid, who announced the passing of the Kano-based billionaire in a heartfelt message on Monday. “Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun. It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of our beloved father, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata,” he wrote, adding that burial arrangements would be announced in due course.
Tributes have since poured in from across Nigeria, with many describing Dantata not only as a symbol of immense wealth but also as a beacon of generational prosperity whose impact stretched beyond his hometown of Kano. Born on May 19, 1931, Dantata was the 15th of 17 children in a family with a storied history in commerce and enterprise. He was the son of Alhassan Dantata, a legendary merchant who laid the foundation of a business empire that would span generations. The Dantata family lineage originates from Katsina before settling in Bebeji, Kano State.
Aminu Dantata began his education at Dala Primary School in 1938 and completed his studies in 1949 through home education at a private school established by his father. He joined the family business, Alhassan Dantata & Sons, in 1948 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the head of the company in 1960 after the death of his brother and former managing director, Ahmadu Dantata.
Under his leadership, the Dantata business empire expanded its interests across several industries, including construction, petroleum, finance, and manufacturing. He was the founder of Express Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd and played a significant role in the establishment of Jaiz Bank, Nigeria’s first non-interest banking institution. His influence extended to public service. In 1968, he was appointed Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, and Industry in Kano State under Governor Audu Bako. He also served on the board of the Nigerian Industrial Development Bank and was part of Nigeria’s first global economic mission after independence.
