Shettima, Sultan, Ministers Attend Burial of Former Finance Minister Abubakar Alhaji

Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, and several top government officials joined family members, associates and sympathisers in Sokoto on Friday for the funeral of former Minister of Finance, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji.

The late elder statesman died on Thursday at the age of 89 after a brief illness. His funeral prayer was held at the Sultan Bello Mosque in Sokoto in accordance with Islamic rites before he was laid to rest at the city's Hubbare Cemetery.

Among those who attended the burial were the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi; Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State; former Governor Aliyu Wamakko; and other serving and former public office holders. Traditional rulers, religious leaders and members of the diplomatic community also paid their last respects.

Speaking after the burial, Vice President Shettima described the late Abubakar Alhaji as a patriotic Nigerian whose contributions to public service and national development would remain unforgettable. He praised the former minister's commitment to economic reforms and prudent management of public resources during his years in government.

The Sultan of Sokoto also paid tribute to the deceased, describing him as a respected administrator, accomplished technocrat and devoted community leader. He urged Nigerians to emulate his integrity, humility and dedication to serving the nation.

Abubakar Alhaji served Nigeria in several strategic capacities, including as Minister of Finance, Minister of National Planning and later as Permanent Secretary in different federal ministries. Widely regarded as one of Nigeria's most experienced public administrators, he played key roles in shaping economic and development policies over several decades.