AMINU DANTATA BIOGRAPHY- Aminu Alhassan Dantata (19 May 1931 – 28 June 2025) was a renowned Nigerian businessman and philanthropist. He was a key promoter of the Kano State Foundation, the founder of Express Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd, and one of the pioneers behind the establishment of Jaiz Bank in Nigeria.
AMINU DANTATA PROFILE
| Name | Aminu Dantata |
| Real Name | Aminu Alhassan Dantata |
| Date Of Birth | 19 May 1931 |
| Date Of Death | 28 June 2025 |
| State Of Origin | Kano State |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Businessman and Philanthropist |
| Religion | Islam |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | N/A |
| Copied From | Contents101.com |
AMINU DANTATA BIOGRAPHY
Born on 19 May 1931 in Kano, Nigeria, into the prominent Dantata family. He was the 15th of 17 children of Alhassan Dantata, one of the wealthiest and most influential merchants in West Africa at the time. Growing up in a business-oriented household, Aminu was exposed early to trade and commerce, which later shaped his life’s path in entrepreneurship.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Dantata began his formal education at Dala Primary School in Kano, where he studied from 1938 to 1945. Afterward, he continued his education at his father’s private school, receiving both Islamic and Western education.
CAREER
Aminu Dantata joined the family business, Alhassan Dantata & Sons, in 1948 as a produce buyer. By 1955, he became the manager of the Sokoto district and was later promoted to Deputy Managing Director in 1958. Following the death of his elder brother, Ahmadu Dantata, in 1960, Aminu took over leadership of the company.
Under his direction, the company expanded into various sectors, including agriculture, real estate, manufacturing, construction, and oil and gas. He founded Express Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd, a major player in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Dantata also played a significant role in the establishment of Jaiz Bank, Nigeria’s first Islamic non-interest bank, and held stakes in major companies during Nigeria’s indigenization policy period.
In public service, he served as Kano State Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade and Industry from 1968 to 1973, contributing to the state’s economic growth. He was also a founding member of the Nigerian Industrial Development Bank and was active in politics through the National Party of Nigeria (NPN).
CONTROVERSIES
Throughout his long career, Aminu Dantata maintained a reputation for integrity and transparency.
PERSONAL LIFE
Aminu Dantata married early and had several wives and many children. One of his sons, Tajuddeen Aminu Dantata, is also a well-known businessman. He was the great-uncle of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote.
Dantata was a devout Muslim and committed philanthropist. He was one of the key promoters of the Kano State Foundation, which provided scholarships, educational grants, and funding for small-scale businesses. He also served as the first Chancellor of Al-Qalam University in Katsina and supported the building of mosques, schools, and hospitals across Northern Nigeria.
AMINU DANTATA NET WORTH
Although his exact net worth was never publicly disclosed, Aminu Dantata was considered one of the wealthiest individuals in Northern Nigeria.
DEATH
Alhassan Dantata Aminu passed away on 28 June 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, at the age of 94. His death marked the end of an era in Nigeria’s business and philanthropic spheres. Though he had lived a long and impactful life, his passing was met with deep sorrow across the country.