Dantata net worth remains a topic of interest for many curious about Nigeria’s wealthiest historical figures. Known for his influence in commerce and real estate, Alhassan Dantata’s financial status continues to spark conversations across the country.
But who is this man?
Aminu Dantata is one of Nigeria’s most respected businessmen and philanthropists. He leads a long-established family empire that has operated for decades in sectors such as oil and gas, real estate, banking, and agriculture. In 2025, the 93-year-old business mogul remains an influential figure, not only due to his wealth but also because of his deep involvement in national development, politics, and philanthropy.
Profile Summary
Full Name: Aminu Alhassan Dantata
Date of Birth: 19 May 1931
Age: 93 (as of 2025)
Place of Birth: Kano State, Nigeria
Nationality: Nigerian
Ethnicity: African
Religion: Islam
Marital Status: Widowed
Children: 24
Profession: Businessman, Philanthropist
Education: Dala Primary School; Private studies (1949)
Current Residence: Kano State, Nigeria
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $1 billion to $6.3 billion
Family Background and Early Life
Aminu was born into the prestigious Dantata family, known for their longstanding commercial success in Nigeria. His father, Alhassan Dantata, was among the wealthiest men in West Africa during the colonial era. Aminu was the fifteenth of seventeen children. After his father’s death in 1955, his business shares were distributed among the children. Aminu’s early education began at Dala Primary School (1938–1945), followed by private schooling organized by his father in 1949.
His roots trace back to the Agalawa trading family from Katsina, later resettled in Madobi. Aminu’s uncle, Abdullahi, and great-grandfather, Baba Talatin, were also merchants. He is the uncle of Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man.
Business Career
Aminu joined Alhassan Dantata & Sons in 1948 as a produce buyer dealing in commodities such as kola nuts and groundnuts. By 1955, he became the Sokoto district manager, and in 1958, he rose to deputy managing director alongside his brother Ahmadu. Following Ahmadu’s death in 1960, Aminu assumed full leadership of the business.
Under his guidance, the company expanded into multiple sectors. In the 1960s, the firm ventured into construction and received major contracts, including work at the School of Aviation in Zaria and the Defence Academy in Kaduna. The group operated several divisions:
- Merchandise: Focused on building materials in Northern Nigeria.
- Technical and Fertilizer: Served government agencies with WARD generators and Barford construction equipment.
- Automotive and Port Services: Maintained a Mercedes-Benz dealership and a terminal at Warri Port.
By the 1990s, the group evolved into the Dantata Organization, investing in oil exploration through Express Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd. Dantata also helped initiate Jaiz Bank, Nigeria’s first non-interest bank, and held significant shares in companies like Mentholatum, SCOA, Raleigh Industries, and Funtua Cotton Seed Crushing Co during Nigeria’s 1970s indigenization period.
Political Involvement
In the early 1960s, Aminu joined national efforts for economic growth. In 1961, he was selected among four businessmen for Nigeria’s first worldwide economic mission after independence. In 1964, he became a founding board member of the Nigerian Industrial Development Bank.
He served in various political roles, including:
- Representative of Kura district in the Northern House of Assembly
- Executive member of the Kano Provincial Council
- Kano State Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, and Industry (1968–1973)
He also joined the National Movement in 1978, a political platform that later became the National Party of Nigeria.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Dantata is widely respected for his charitable contributions. Through the Kano State Foundation, which he co-founded, he helped support education and micro-enterprises across the state. He funded projects in healthcare and education, including the Alhassan Dantata Haemodialysis Center at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
He also served as the first Chancellor of Al-Qalam University in Katsina and personally sponsored 100 students at Al-Istiqama University.
Personal Life: Wives & Children
Aminu Dantata was married to Hajiya Rabi Aminu Dantata, who passed away on 8 April 2023 in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia, following a prolonged illness. She and Aminu had six children: Tajuddeen, Batulu, Hafsa, Jamila, and Aliya, and many grandchildren, including Sanusi Dantata, a graduate of MIT.
Since her passing, Aminu has expressed emotional fatigue and spiritual readiness. During a public remark, he stated:
“Honestly, as I am right now, I am just waiting for my time. I no longer enjoy life. I hope I depart this world in good faith.”
He also asked for forgiveness from those he may have offended and mentioned that among the many friends he made across Nigeria, fewer than ten are still alive today.
Dantata Net Worth in 2025
Estimates of Dantata’s net worth vary depending on the source. According to NewsNowGh, Glusea, and other platforms, he is believed to be worth approximately $1 billion. However, some assessments suggest a potential value as high as $6.3 billion, based on his extensive business involvement in oil, banking, and real estate.
Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
