The respected businessman and uncle to Aliko Dangote passed away Saturday, according to a family statement.
His ventures spanned construction, agriculture, banking, oil and gas, contributing significantly to Nigerias private sector growth.
Dantata supported education, healthcare, and poverty relief, often anonymously, while mentoring leaders and backing Islamic banking.
Aminu Dantata, one of Nigerias most respected businessmen and philanthropists, and uncle to Africas richest man, Aliko Dangote, has passed away at the age of 94. The news of his passing was confirmed on Saturday by his Principal Private Secretary, Mustapha Abdullahi Junaid, who shared the announcement with deep sorrow.
Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun. It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of our beloved father, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata. May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus and forgive his shortcomings. Details of the Janazah will be shared later, insha Allah, Junaid wrote.
Building wealth, giving quietly, leading boldlyDantata was born into the Dantata family of Kano, the son of Alhassan Dantata, one of West Africas most prominent merchants in the early 20th century. He inherited not just wealth, but a legacy of enterprise, generosity, and quiet leadership that he carried forward in his own way.
Across several decades, he built a diverse business empire that included construction, manufacturing, banking, agriculture, and oil and gas. He also took on important public roles, offering his time and experience to support national development and guide younger generations of business leaders and public officials.
But his reputation was not built on business success alone. Dantata was deeply admired for his humility, strong faith, and quiet commitment to lifting others. He supported schools, hospitals, mosques, orphanages, and programs for widows and the poor, mostly across northern Nigeria. Many of these efforts were funded anonymously or through his foundation, in line with his belief that good deeds should speak for themselves.