Former Finance Minister, Sardauna of Sokoto, Abubakar Alhaji Dies at 88

Former Minister of Finance and Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, has died at the age of 88 after a brief illness.

The elder statesman passed away on Thursday morning at a hospital in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, according to family sources.

Alhaji was one of Nigeria’s most accomplished public servants, serving in several strategic positions during his decades-long career in the civil service and government. He held office as Minister of National Planning before becoming Minister of Finance under the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida.

In 1992, he was appointed Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, where he served until 1996 before being replaced during the administration of General Sani Abacha.

A direct descendant of Shehu Usmanu Danfodiyo, Alhaji began his public service career in 1964 as an Assistant Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Finance.

He rose through the ranks to become Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Trade in 1975 before returning to the Ministry of Finance as Permanent Secretary in 1979.

During his time as Permanent Secretary, he supervised Nigeria’s engagement with external creditors and was a member of the country’s negotiating team for the Lomé II Agreement. His record in public administration earned him appointment as Minister of State for Budget and Planning in 1988.

He later served as Minister of Finance between 1990 and 1991, overseeing the country’s economic policies during a period marked by structural adjustment reforms and negotiations with international financial institutions.

After leaving the Finance Ministry, Alhaji continued in public service as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, where he was widely respected for his diplomatic contributions.

Beyond government, he was a revered traditional title holder in Northern Nigeria. In 1990, he was turbaned as the Sardauna of Sokoto, succeeding to the historic title once held by the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the former Premier of Northern Nigeria.

As Sardauna, Alhaji played an important role in preserving the traditions and values of the Sokoto Caliphate, earning widespread respect as a statesman, administrator and custodian of the region’s heritage.

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