By Omoyeni Ojeifo
Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, Nigeria’s former Finance Minister and the Sardaunan Sokoto, has died at 87 in Abuja on Thursday.
While specific details around his death remain undisclosed, the elder statesman leaves behind a notable legacy, having served as Minister of State for Budget and Planning (1988) and Finance Minister (1990–1991) under General Ibrahim Babangida.
He also served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 1992 to 1996, where he played a key role in strengthening diplomatic ties between both countries.
Before his political appointments, Alhaji built a distinguished career in the civil service, rising to the rank of Permanent Secretary and serving in key ministries, including Finance, Trade, Industry and National Planning.
In 1990, he was turbaned as the Sardaunan Sokoto, one of the highest traditional titles in the Sokoto Caliphate, succeeding the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Premier of Northern Nigeria.
Throughout his public service career, Alhaji was widely regarded as a respected administrator and statesman who contributed to Nigeria’s economic management and public administration.
The family said details of his funeral would be announced later in line with Islamic rites.
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