Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to UK, Finance Minister, Alhaji Alhaji, is dead
By OUR REPORTER, Sokoto
Alhaji Alhaji was also Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 1992 to 1996, where he helped deepen bilateral relations serving under three successive adninistrations of General Babangida, Chief Alex Shonekan and General Sani Abacha.
Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance and the Sardaunan Sokoto, Abubakar Alhaji Alhaji popularly called ‘Alhaji Alhaji’ during his days as a member of cabinet during the military era, is dead.
According to family sources, the elder statesman passed away in Abuja at the age of 87.
Alhaji Alhaji served as Minister of State, Budget and Planning from 1988 under the military regime of President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. He later served as substantive Minister of Finance between 1990 and 1991 under the same regime.
Alhaji Alhaji was also Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 1992 to 1996, where he helped deepen bilateral relations serving under three successive adninistrations of General Babangida, Chief Alex Shonekan and General Sani Abacha.
A career civil servant, he rose through the ranks to Permanent Secretary in the Ministries of Finance, Trade, Industries and National Planning.
As the Sardaunan Sokoto, he held one of the most revered traditional titles in the Sokoto Caliphate having been turbaned in 1990, succeeding the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello. In that role, he was a bridge between government, the traditional institution and the people.
The family said funeral arrangements will be announced in due course in accordance with Islamic rites.
