Finance Minister Mourns Ex-Finance Minister Abubakar Alhaji, Hails Legacy of Integrity, National Service
Says former minister’s contributions to Nigeria’s economic management and public finance reforms will remain enduring
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Minister of Finance, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, CON, describing him as an exceptional public servant whose legacy of integrity, discipline and visionary leadership left an enduring mark on Nigeria’s economic management and national development.
Oyedele said the passing of the elder statesman was a profound loss to the nation, noting that his decades of distinguished service in government and traditional leadership would continue to inspire generations of public servants.
The position of the Minister was contained in a press statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance and signed by Efe Ovuakporie, Head of Information and Public Relations, on **July 31, 2026.
The statement noted that the Minister, alongside the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Raymond Omachi, the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Mr. Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, as well as the management and staff of the Ministry, received the news of Alhaji’s passing with profound sadness.
According to Oyedele, the late former Finance Minister devoted his life to public service, distinguishing himself through integrity, discipline and sound judgment while making significant contributions to Nigeria’s economic governance.
“The late elder statesman devoted his life to public service, distinguishing his career with integrity, discipline, and sound judgement, and leaving a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s economic management and national development,” Oyedele said.
He observed that beyond overseeing the nation’s finances, the late Alhaji also served Nigeria with distinction as the country’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and earned widespread respect in traditional leadership as the Sardaunan Sokoto.
The Minister said the late statesman’s influence extended far beyond the public offices he occupied, describing him as a thoughtful leader whose wisdom, experience and unwavering commitment to the public good strengthened Nigeria’s institutions.
“His legacy extends well beyond the offices he held. He was a thoughtful leader whose experience, wisdom, and commitment to the public good continue to inspire generations of public servants long after he left active service,” Oyedele stated.
He further noted that Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji played a pivotal role in strengthening Nigeria’s public finance architecture and institutional framework, saying his contributions would continue to resonate within the Federal Ministry of Finance and the broader public service.
The Minister extended condolences to the family of the deceased, the Governor and Government of Sokoto State, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultanate Council and the people of Sokoto State.
He prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the late elder statesman, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, and give his family, associates and all Nigerians the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
