Former Finance Minister Abubakar Alhaji is dead

Former Minister of Finance and Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, has died.

His family confirmed his passing on Thursday in Abuja.

Abubakar Alhaji served as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance from 1990 to 1991 during the military administration of former Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

Before then, he was appointed Minister of State for Budget and Planning in 1988. He also served as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

Widely regarded as an accomplished administrator, Alhaji held several strategic positions in both the public service and the corporate sector during his career.

He was also the Sardaunan Sokoto, one of the most respected traditional titles in the Sokoto Caliphate.

Alhaji was turbaned as Sardaunan Sokoto in 1990, succeeding the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello. In that capacity, he played a key role in strengthening the relationship between government, the traditional institution and the people.