Former Nigerian Finance Minister Alhaji Alhaji Buried

Former Nigerian Minister of Finance and elder statesman Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji died on Thursday, July 30, 2026, and was buried the same day in Sokoto. The prominent diplomat and traditional titleholder was 88 years old.

Alhaji passed away in a hospital in Abuja after a period of illness. His remains were flown to Sokoto for burial in accordance with Islamic rites. The funeral prayer was held at the Sultan Bello Jumaat Mosque and was led by the Chief Imam, Sheikh Muhammad Bello Akwara. He was laid to rest at the Hubbare Royal Cemetery.

The ceremony was attended by high-ranking government officials and traditional leaders. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu. Also present were the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu. The Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, was represented by his deputy, Idris Muhammad Gobir. The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saad Abubakar, and the Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Tukur Bala Bodinga, were among the many dignitaries in attendance.

Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji had a distinguished public service career spanning several decades. He...