Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, prominent Kano-born billionaire and founder of Express Petroleum & Gas, died in the early hours of Saturday, June 28, 2025, in a Dubai hospital following a brief illness, officials confirmed. His passing was announced via a heartfelt message from his Principal Private Secretary, Mustapha Abdullahi Junaid .
Born on May 19, 1931, Dantata rose to prominence through his diverse business interests in finance, construction, real estate, and energy. He held significant influence in northern Nigeria’s economic development and served as Kano State Commissioner for Planning and Development from 1967 to 1972 .
A visionary industrialist, he co-founded Jaiz Bank—Nigeria’s first non-interest financial institution—and played a critical role in shaping Islamic banking. He also left a lasting legacy through his leadership as first Chancellor of Al‑Qalam University, Katsina, and as a founding supporter of the Kano State endowment fund for education and youth entrepreneurship .
His philanthropic footprint extends to healthcare, where he donated the Alhassan Dantata Hemodialysis Centre at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, alongside numerous scholarships and empowerment programmes for Kano’s youth .
Dantata’s prominence extended into public service. He was a member of the Northern House of Assembly (1960–1966), participated in the drafting of the 1979 Constitution, and helped promote peace and unity across business and political circles in his region .
Survived by seven children, including Tajuddeen Aminu Dantata, and many grandchildren, Dantata was also the great-uncle of Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man. His legacy copiously intersects with some of Nigeria’s most celebrated business dynasties .
Details on Jana’iza (funeral prayer) and interment—expected to follow strict Islamic rites—will be shared by family and Kano state officials in due course.
