Former Minister of Finance and Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, has died at the age of 87.
Family sources confirmed that the elder statesman passed away in Abuja on Thursday.
Details surrounding his death were not immediately disclosed.
Alhaji served in several key positions in Nigeria’s public service. He was appointed Minister of State for Budget and Planning in 1988 before becoming Minister of Finance from 1990 to 1991 under the military administration of former Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (retd.).
Following his tenure as finance minister, he was appointed Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, serving from 1992 to 1996, where he contributed to strengthening diplomatic relations between both countries.
Before joining the Federal Executive Council, Alhaji had a distinguished civil service career, rising to the rank of Permanent Secretary. He served in several strategic ministries, including Finance, Trade, Industry and National Planning, where he played key roles in policy formulation and public administration.
Beyond public service, Alhaji was a respected traditional title holder. In 1990, he was turbaned as the Sardaunan Sokoto, one of the highest traditional titles in the Sokoto Caliphate, succeeding the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello.
In that role, he served as a bridge between the traditional institution, government and society, earning recognition for his contributions to governance, public service and community leadership.
The family said funeral arrangements would be announced later in accordance with Islamic rites.