Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, a veteran Nigerian statesman, has died at the age of 87. Family members confirmed his passing in Abuja on Thursday, though specific circumstances regarding his death remain private.
A prominent figure in Nigeria’s civil service, Alhaji served as a Permanent Secretary in several ministries, including Trade, Industries, Finance, and National Planning. During the military rule of Ibrahim Babangida, he was appointed Minister of State for Budget and Planning in 1988 and subsequently served as Minister of Finance from 1990 to 1991. He later transitioned into diplomacy, representing Nigeria as the High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 1992 to 1996.
Beyond his political and administrative contributions, he held the esteemed traditional title of Sardaunan Sokoto, which he assumed in 1990 following the death of Sir Ahmadu Bello. This role positioned him as a key liaison between the traditional authority and the public. His family has indicated that funeral arrangements will be finalized according to Islamic traditions and shared at a later date.
