Ex-Finance Minister Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji Dies in Abuja; Buried in Sokoto

Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, a respected northern statesman and former Finance Minister, died in Abuja following an extended illness. Family and medical sources confirmed that he passed away at a hospital in the capital after undergoing treatment for several weeks.

His body was subsequently transported to Sokoto, where interment took place the same day following Islamic custom. The funeral prayer took place at Sultan Bello Juma'at Mosque.

Throughout his career, the elder statesman occupied pivotal roles within Nigeria's diplomatic service and civil administration. In 1988, he held the position of Minister of State for Budget and Planning.

From 1990 to 1991, during the tenure of former military President Ibrahim Babangida, he served as Minister of Finance. As Nigeria's envoy to the United Kingdom between 1992 and 1996, he strengthened diplomatic ties and bilateral cooperation.

He also maintained the traditional chieftaincy title of Sardaunan Sokoto, a highly esteemed rank within the sultanate hierarchy. The funeral was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and brought along a delegation of federal government officials.

Sheikh Muhammad Bello Akwara, the Chief Imam at Sultan Bello Mosque, led the funeral prayer. Numerous dignitaries and senior officials from across the northern region attended the ceremony to honour his legacy.

In a formal statement, the Northern Nigeria Governors' Forum expressed deep sorrow at his passing. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Governor of Gombe State and chair of the forum, praised him as an accomplished public servant whose decades of exemplary work significantly influenced Nigeria's economic trajectory.

Records indicate he was first treated at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto before his transfer to Alliance Hospital in Abuja for ongoing care. Note: One source lists his age at death as 87, while another reports 94.