Published by Alphapressmedia
30 July, 2026
The Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NNGF) has expressed profound grief over the passing of former Minister of Finance and Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, who died on Thursday in Abuja.
In a condolence message, the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, described the late elder statesman as an accomplished public servant whose decades of dedicated service left an enduring mark on Nigeria’s political and economic development.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya recalled that Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji served with distinction as Minister of National Planning before his appointment as Minister of Finance during the administration of former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s economic policies. He later served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom in 1992, further advancing the country’s diplomatic interests with honour and distinction.
The NNGF Chairman also paid tribute to the late statesman’s rich heritage as a direct descendant of Shehu Usmanu Danfodiyo, noting that beyond his remarkable public service career, he remained a respected custodian of the values, traditions and enduring legacy of the Sokoto Caliphate.
According to Governor Inuwa Yahaya, the death of Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji represents a monumental loss not only to his immediate family and the people of Sokoto State but also to Northern Nigeria and the nation at large, which benefited immensely from his wealth of experience, exemplary leadership and wise counsel.
On behalf of the governors of the 19 Northern States, the Forum Chairman extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sokoto Caliphate, the Government and people of Sokoto State, and all Nigerians mourning the demise of the distinguished elder statesman.
He prayed Almighty Allah (SWT) to forgive the shortcomings of the late Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, accept his good deeds, and grant him eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus.
