Abubakar Alhaji, IBB’s Finance Minister, passes on at 87
Former Minister of Finance and holder of the traditional title of Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, has died at the age of 87.
According to THISDAY newspaper on Thursday, Family sources said the elder statesman passed away in Abuja.
The report also noted that the family announced that funeral arrangements would be announced later in accordance with Islamic rites.
Alhaji served in several key positions during his decades-long career in the Nigerian public service. He was appointed Minister of State for Budget and Planning in 1988, then became Minister of Finance from 1990 to 1991 under the military administration of former President Ibrahim Babangida.
He later served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom between 1992 and 1996, where he played a role in strengthening diplomatic and bilateral relations between both countries.
Before his political appointments, Alhaji built a distinguished career in the civil service, rising to the rank of Permanent Secretary. He served in the ministries of Finance, Trade, Industries and National Planning.
Beyond public service, he was widely respected in Northern Nigeria as the Sardaunan Sokoto, one of the highest traditional titles in the Sokoto Caliphate. He was turbaned in 1990, succeeding the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and was regarded as a key link between government, traditional institutions and the people.
