Saudi Arabian authorities have granted approval for the burial of late Nigerian business magnate, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, in the holy city of Madinah on Monday, family sources have confirmed.
The 93-year-old patriarch of the Dantata dynasty passed away peacefully in Makkah on Sunday after a brief illness. Following Islamic tradition, his remains will be interred at the renowned Al-Baqi Cemetery in Madinah, a resting place for many prominent Islamic figures throughout history.
A family spokesperson, Alhaji Umar Dantata, revealed that special arrangements were made with Saudi authorities to facilitate the burial in Madinah, considering the deceased’s longstanding connection to the holy cities. “We are grateful to the Saudi government for their cooperation in this matter. Alhaji had always expressed his wish to be buried in the holy land,” he stated.
The burial procession is expected to be attended by a high-profile Nigerian delegation led by Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, alongside business leaders including Aliko Dangote and former Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II. The Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah is providing logistical support for the ceremony.
Alhaji Aminu Dantata, son of Nigeria’s first millionaire Alhaji Alhassan Dantata, was a towering figure in Nigeria’s business landscape. His Dantata Group played a pivotal role in the nation’s infrastructure development, particularly in road construction and commodity trading.
The Kano State Government has declared a three-day mourning period, with flags flying at half-mast. Governor Yusuf described the late industrialist as “a national treasure whose contributions to Nigeria’s economic development cannot be overstated.”
Memorial services are being planned in both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, with the family expected to announce details in the coming days. The burial in Madinah underscores the special relationship between the Dantata family and the holy cities, where the late businessman maintained residences and conducted regular pilgrimages.
Saudi officials have assured of adequate security arrangements for the burial ceremony, which is expected to draw dignitaries from across the Gulf region and Nigeria’s business community. The Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yahaya Lawal, confirmed full diplomatic support for the proceedings.
