Ex-finance minister buried in Sokoto

Nigeria has lost a prominent figure in public service with the burial of former Minister of Finance, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji. The elder statesman, who held the traditional title of Sardaunan Sokoto, was laid to rest on Thursday at the Hubbare Royal Cemetery in Sokoto, following Islamic funeral rites.

The funeral prayer was led by Sheikh Bello-Akwara, the Chief Imam of Sultan Bello Juma’at Mosque. Vice-President Kashim Shettima attended the ceremony, representing President Bola Tinubu. Several other high-ranking officials were present, including the Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu. The Sokoto State Governor was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Idris Gobir.

Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji passed away on Thursday at Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja. His death marked the end of an extensive public service career that spanned several decades. He served as Nigeria's Minister of Finance from 1985 to 1986, a period described as critical in the nation's economic history.

Beyond his ministerial role, Alhaji held significant positions such as Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Nigeria's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. Prior to his political appointments, he had a notable career in the federal civil service, rising to the rank of Permanent Secretary. He was widely recognized as a leading technocrat, making substantial contributions to Nigeria's economic management and playing a key role in shaping economic policies and international financial relations.