Ex-Finance Minister, Alhaji Abubakar buried in Sokoto

The remains of former Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, were buried on Thursday at Hubbare royal cemetery, Sokoto.

The late elder statesman held the traditional title of Sardaunan Sokoto.

His burial was conducted in line with Islamic rites, following a funeral prayer led by Sheikh Bello-Akwara, Chief Imam of Sultan Bello Juma’at Mosque.

The prayer was attended by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the ceremony.

Also present were Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi, and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu.

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Idris Gobir, at the funeral.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Tukur Bala Bodinga, and other dignitaries attended.

After the funeral, Shettima visited the Sultan and other relatives to offer condolences over Alhaji’s death.

The Vice-President prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and comfort for his family.

DAILY POST reports that Alhaji died on Thursday at Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja, ending a distinguished public service career spanning several decades.

Recall that he served as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance from 1985 to 1986 during a critical period.

He was also a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

Before his political appointments, Alhaji had a remarkable federal civil service career, rising to become a Permanent Secretary.

He was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost technocrats, contributing significantly to national economic management.

The late Sardaunan Sokoto played a key role in shaping economic policies and managing relations with international financial institutions.

His contributions came during a challenging era in Nigeria’s economic history, leaving a lasting legacy in public administration.