July 30, 2026
Former Nigerian Minister of Finance and one-time High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, has died at the age of 88 following a brief illness.
According to family sources, the elder statesman passed away on Thursday morning at a hospital in Abuja.
Alhaji served as Minister of National Planning before becoming Minister of Finance during the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida. In 1992, he was appointed Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, a position he held until 1996.
A respected public servant and seasoned administrator, Alhaji began his career in the Federal Civil Service in 1964 as an Assistant Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Finance. He later rose to become Permanent Secretary in both the Federal Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of Finance, where he played a key role in managing Nigeria’s relations with international creditors and participated in negotiations for the Lomé II Agreement.
As Minister of Finance between 1990 and 1991, he oversaw Nigeria’s fiscal policies during a period marked by economic reforms and engagement with international financial institutions.
Beyond his government service, Alhaji was a highly respected traditional titleholder. In 1990, he was turbaned as the Sardauna of Sokoto, succeeding to one of Northern Nigeria’s most prestigious traditional titles, once held by the late Sir Ahmadu Bello. He was widely regarded as a custodian of the history, values, and heritage of the Sokoto Caliphate.
His death marks the end of a distinguished career in public service, diplomacy, and traditional leadership. He is remembered for his contributions to Nigeria’s economic administration and his decades of service to the nation.
