One of Nigeria’s Richest Men to Be Buried in Saudi Arabia

Aminu Dantata, one of Nigeria’s most prominent businessmen, is set to be buried in Medina, Saudi Arabia, days after passing away in the United Arab Emirates at the age of 94.
The Nigerian billionaire’s remains are being transported from Abu Dhabi, following Saudi authorities' approval of his burial in the holy city. The funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, according to Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris.

Dantata had long expressed his desire to be laid to rest in Medina—home of Prophet Muhammad and a city he held close to his heart.

A Life Rooted in Business, Service, and Legacy

Dantata leaves behind three wives, 21 children, and 121 grandchildren. He was widely known not only for his business empire but also for his deep commitment to philanthropy and education.
His impact cut across agriculture, construction, real estate, and manufacturing, with humble beginnings in the 1940s, trading kola nuts and groundnuts.

Dantata inherited his entrepreneurial spirit from his father, Alhassan Dantata, once considered the richest man in West Africa. Despite his immense wealth, Aminu Dantata continued living in Kano’s poorer neighborhoods, choosing to stay rooted in the community where he was raised.

Philanthropy That Touched Millions

He was admired for giving back generously. Just last year, he donated ₦1.5 billion (approx. $972,000) to support victims of massive floods in Borno State.
Dantata was also known to host students, local leaders, and politicians in Kano, where he held a strong social and political presence.

His influence was such that Nigerian leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, sought his blessings ahead of elections. A viral video from 2023 showed Tinubu bowing to greet him—a symbol of Dantata’s respect across generations.

National Mourning and International Farewell

President Tinubu called Dantata’s passing a “monumental national loss”, praising his decades-long contribution to Nigeria’s economic and social growth.

Dignitaries from Nigeria, including two state governors and four federal ministers, have travelled to Medina for the funeral. A special prayer was also held in Kano, honoring the man who lived there his entire life.

Early Start and a Life of Learning

Dantata began his education with Islamic studies, then continued at a secondary school built by his father. In an interview with Trust TV, he reflected on how children in his family were taught the value of business as early as age five.

“Our father would tell us to observe how people bring groundnuts in sacks and on donkeys… we were taught to learn how to earn during school breaks,” he said.

At 17, he took over the family business in Bichi, marking the start of a journey that would shape Nigerian commerce for decades.

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