Sardaunan Sokoto Abubakar Alhaji Passes Away in Abuja.
Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance and Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, has died at the age of 87. Family sources confirmed to ThisDay on Thursday that the elder statesman passed away in Abuja.
Career and Public Service
Alhaji served as Minister of State for Budget and Planning in 1988 before becoming Minister of Finance from 1990 to 1991 during the administration of former military President General Ibrahim Babangida. He later represented Nigeria as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 1992 to 1996, where he helped deepen bilateral relations between the two countries.
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A career civil servant, Alhaji rose through the ranks to become Permanent Secretary in the Ministries of Finance, Trade, Industries and National Planning. His extensive experience in public administration spanned decades.
Traditional Title and Legacy
As Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji held one of the most revered traditional titles in the Sokoto Caliphate. He was turbaned in 1990, succeeding the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello. In that role, he served as a bridge between the government, the traditional institution and the people.
The family said funeral arrangements will be announced in due course in accordance with Islamic rites.
