Aminu Alhassan Dantata, the iconic Kano-born businessman, began his foray into commerce before the age of ten, continuing a deep-rooted family tradition. His father instilled in him and his siblings a strong foundation in trade, emphasizing financial literacy and the value of enterprise from an early age.
By 24, Dantata was representing the family business in Sokoto as a district manager. At 36, he purchased his first aircraft for $15,000 and, within a year, upgraded to a jet valued at $2.5 million. Yet, he humbly described himself as “just rich enough to take care of himself.”
Born in May 1931 as the 15th of 17 children, Dantata received both Islamic and Western education. He attended Dala Primary School from 1938 to 1945 and completed his studies at a private school established by his father in 1949.
He hailed from one of Nigeria’s most prominent business dynasties. As the younger brother of Sanusi Dantata, Aminu was also the granduncle of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote. Following the death of his father in 1955, the Dantata children assumed control of the family enterprise, Alhassan Dantata & Sons. Aminu became deputy managing director in 1958 and, after the passing of his elder brother Ahmadu in 1960, assumed leadership of the business.
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Under his stewardship, the company diversified into banking, petroleum, agriculture, real estate, construction, manufacturing, and finance. He later founded Express Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd and played a pivotal role in establishing Jaiz Bank, Nigeria’s first non-interest bank.
Dantata once remarked that he owned land “all over the world,” a philosophy passed down by his father, who believed land ownership was the cornerstone of generational wealth.
“I don’t think I would be able to tell you what land I have now, all over the world not only in Nigeria. In Nigeria, there is nowhere I don’t have lands. Also, in areas where people don’t have the opportunity, I have lands,” he said.
He also served as board chairman of Northern Nigeria Flour Mills Plc (NNFM), further demonstrating his extensive influence across sectors.
Despite his wealth and status, Dantata maintained a low public profile and rarely gave interviews. His nephew, Munzali, whom he raised like a son, fondly recalled his uncle’s enthusiasm for sports, particularly football and polo.
“He had racing and polo horses that competed in Kaduna, Lagos, and even in Chad and Niger,” Munzali shared. “He was overjoyed whenever his horses won trophies, but he eventually retired from the sport as age and weight caught up with him.”
Munzali described Dantata as a multifaceted man a businessman, philanthropist, sportsman, and political figure whose legacy he plans to document in a forthcoming biography.
Dantata’s philanthropic efforts were substantial. In 2024, he donated ₦1.5 billion to victims of the Maiduguri flood disaster.
During the independence era, Dantata was active in the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) and was even considered for party leadership. He had campaigned tirelessly on a bicycle to raise funds for NEPU, leading to his nomination as youth leader. However, familial obligations curtailed his political ambitions, as his father, a member of the emirate, discouraged direct opposition to the establishment.
Nevertheless, Dantata remained politically active. He was elected as the representative for Kura district in the Northern House of Assembly in 1961. In 1968, he was appointed Kano State Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, and Industry under the administration of Governor Audu Bako.
Later in life, Dantata expressed disillusionment with the state of politics, lamenting a decline in honesty and integrity.
“What I am seeing in politics now is pathetic. We are no longer honest; people are distorting the truth and supporting mischief. It is not good,” he said.
By 2022, at age 91, Dantata spoke openly about his mortality, reflecting on the loss of loved ones and the changing world around him. The passing of his second wife, Rabi, in April 2023 deepened his sense of isolation.
“I have traveled across all Nigerian states and built relationships everywhere, but now, I can barely count ten people I knew who are still alive,” he said during a visit from then APC vice-presidential candidate, Kashim Shettima.
“Honestly, I am just waiting for my time. I hope I leave this world in peace. If I offended anyone, I ask for forgiveness. If anyone offended me, I have forgiven them.”
At 92, he described aging as a profound burden, physically and emotionally, observing that “the atmosphere in the world today is horrible.”
Aminu Alhassan Dantata, the last surviving son of Alhassan Dantata, passed away in Abu Dhabi at the age of 94. He leaves behind a legacy defined by enterprise, philanthropy, humility, and a deep commitment to service an enduring inspiration to generations of Nigerians and business leaders across Africa.
