By Peace Erewunmi

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 after a brief illness.

Alhaji served as Minister of State for Budget and Planning in 1988 before becoming Minister of Finance between 1990 and 1991 during the military administration of former President Ibrahim Babangida. He later served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 1992 to 1996, where he contributed to strengthening diplomatic relations between both countries.

A distinguished career civil servant, Alhaji rose to the rank of Permanent Secretary, serving in key ministries including Finance, Trade, Industries and National Planning. He was widely respected for his contributions to public administration and economic policy in Nigeria.

In 1990, he was turbaned as the Sardaunan Sokoto, one of the most prestigious traditional titles in the Sokoto Caliphate, succeeding the late Sir Ahmadu Bello. Throughout his lifetime, he remained an influential figure in both public service and traditional leadership.

His funeral was held in Sokoto in accordance with Islamic rites. The ceremony was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside several federal and state government officials, traditional rulers and dignitaries who paid their final respects to the late elder statesman.