Former Nigerian High Commissioner Abubakar Alhaji Dies at 94

Abubakar Alhaji, the former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, died at the age of 94 on Thursday morning at Alliance Hospital in Abuja. He had been receiving treatment for several weeks after being transferred from Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto.

Alhaji Ya’u Dogon Daji, a relative, confirmed that Alhaji had been ill for nearly a month prior to his death and had expressed optimism about his recovery just two days before he passed. The funeral prayer (Salatul Janazah) is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Thursday at Sultan Bello Mosque in Sokoto, followed by burial at Hubbaren Shehu royal cemetery.

Alhaji held the traditional title of Sardaunan Sokoto, a title historically linked to Sir Ahmadu Bello. His distinguished career included roles as Minister of State for Budget and Planning, Minister of Finance, and Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the UK, alongside serving as Special Adviser on Economic Affairs to Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states.