Former Nigerian Finance Minister Abubakar Alhaji Dies in Abuja

Former Nigerian Minister of Finance and Sardaunan Sokoto Abubakar Alhaji died on Thursday, July 30, 2026, in Abuja. Reports on the location of his passing differ, with sources citing either Alliance Hospital or Nizamiye Hospital. His relative, Ya’u Dogon Daji, noted that Alhaji was transferred to Abuja for treatment after being admitted at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto.

Alhaji's death occurred amid conflicting reports regarding his age, with estimates ranging from 79 to 94. He spent over five decades in public service, serving as Minister of Finance under the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida, Minister of State for Budget and Planning, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and Nigeria's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 1992 to 1996. In 1990, he succeeded Sir Ahmadu Bello as the Sardaunan Sokoto.

Following his death, funeral prayers were held at the Sultan Bello Mosque in Sokoto, led by Sheikh Bello-Akwara. He was buried at the Hubbare Royal Cemetery. The ceremony was attended by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa'adu Abubakar, and Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu.