Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance and Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, has died at the age of 87.
Family sources confirmed that the elder statesman died in Abuja on Thursday. Funeral arrangements, they said, will be announced in due course in line with Islamic rites.
Distinguished career in public service
Abubakar Alhaji served as Minister of State for Budget and Planning in 1988 before his appointment as Minister of Finance between 1990 and 1991 during the administration of former military President Ibrahim Babangida.
He later represented Nigeria as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 1992 to 1996. During his tenure, he played a role in strengthening diplomatic relations between both countries.
Before joining the Federal Executive Council, Alhaji built a distinguished career in the civil service. He rose through the ranks to become Permanent Secretary in the Ministries of Finance, Trade, Industries and National Planning.
Holder of the Sardaunan Sokoto title
Beyond public service, Abubakar Alhaji held the revered traditional title of Sardaunan Sokoto, one of the highest honours in the Sokoto Caliphate.
He received the title in 1990, succeeding the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello. Those close to him described his role as one that bridged government, the traditional institution and the people. The family said details of his burial would be announced later in accordance with Islamic traditions.
Read also: Bill Oddie Dies at 85 as Fans Mourn Beloved TV Star and Wildlife Icon
