Vice President Shettima Leads Tributes at Funeral of Ex-Finance Minister Alhaji Abubakar

Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, who served as Nigeria's former Minister of Finance and held the title of Sardaunan Sokoto, died in Abuja on Thursday after an extended period of illness. The same day, he was laid to rest in his native town following Islamic burial practices.

His funeral service occurred at the Sultan Muhammad Bello Juma'at Mosque, with Sheikh Muhammad Bello Akwara presiding over the prayer. Vice President Kashim Shettima attended on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, directing a delegation from the federal government to oversee the burial.

The ceremony underscored his standing within Nigeria's political hierarchy. Present at the proceedings were Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, who heads the Labour and Employment ministry, alongside Budget and Economic Planning Minister Senator Atiku Bagudu, together with Sokoto State's Deputy Governor Alhaji Idris Muhammad Gobir.

Notables from northern Nigeria and the broader political sphere assembled to pay their final respects. Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, Sultan of Sokoto, attended the ceremony, as did Sokoto's former chief executive Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

Deputy Minority Leader of the House Rep. Abdussamad Dasuki characterized the passing as constituting an irreplaceable loss for the Sultanate, the region to its north, and the nation overall.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, chairing the Northern Nigeria Governors' Forum, conveyed the body's condolences through an official statement. The forum recognized how the late elder devotes decades to national service and pointed to his vast impact on Nigeria's development spanning both cabinet roles and his importance to Sokoto's royal heritage.