Former Finance Minister, Sardaunan Sokoto Abubakar Alhaji Dies at 87

Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance and Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, has died at the age of 87.

Family sources confirmed on Thursday that the elder statesman passed away in Abuja after a brief illness.

Alhaji served as Minister of State for Budget and Planning in 1988 before his appointment as Minister of Finance, a position he held from 1990 to 1991 during the military administration of former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida.

He later represented Nigeria as the country’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom between 1992 and 1996, where he played a key role in strengthening diplomatic and bilateral relations between both nations.

A distinguished career civil servant, Alhaji rose through the ranks to become a Permanent Secretary, serving in several key ministries, including Finance, Trade, Industries and National Planning.

Beyond public service, he was widely respected in traditional circles as the Sardaunan Sokoto, one of the highest-ranking titles in the Sokoto Caliphate. He was turbaned in 1990, succeeding the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and became a respected bridge between government, the traditional institution and the people.

The family said funeral arrangements would be announced in due course in accordance with Islamic rites.