Former Finance Minister, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, is Dead

Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance and the Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, is dead.

Family sources confirmed on Thursday that the elder statesman passed away in Abuja. He was aged 87.

Alhaji served as Minister of State, Budget and Planning in 1988. He later served as Minister of Finance between 1990 and 1991 during the administration of former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida.

He later represented Nigeria as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 1992 to 1996, where he helped deepen bilateral relations.

A career civil servant, Alhaji Alhaji rose through the ranks to Permanent Secretary in the Ministries of Finance, Trade, Industries and National Planning.

The family said funeral arrangements will be announced in due course in accordance with Islamic rites.