ALHAJI NASIRU HALADU DANU OFR, Sardaunan Dutse/Tafida Babban Daura
Man of the Year, 2025
Alhaji Nasiru Haladu Danu OFR is one of the few Nigerian businessmen who enjoy widespread goodwill due to their untainted character and impeccable reputation. The Chairman and CEO of Casiva Limited is renowned for his unwavering commitment to success. He consistently strikes gold in every venture he undertakes, solidifying his status as a true titan of industry. The Sardaunan Dutse, possesses an intimate understanding of the oil and gas sector, navigating its complexities with the expertise that comes from years of experience.
Over the years, Alhaji Danu has brushed aside life’s challenges, remaining undeterred, resilient and determined to forge ahead – virtues instilled in him by his parents. All his life, Danu has adhered strictly to the principles of hard work and perseverance, which have become the cornerstone of his success. Today, the fruits of his labour are evident, as he stands at the pinnacle of both the business and political arenas, He served as member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
As the Sardaunan Dutse of the Dutse Emirate in Jigawa State, Danu wields considerable influence but prefers to maintain a low profile, shunning unnecessary media attention. Those who know him closely compare his stature in Nigeria’s business community to the likes of renowned African business leaders like Aliko Dangote, the Group Chairman of Dangote Group Plc; and Tony Elumelu, Chairman Heirs Holdings, Transcorp and Tony Elumelu Foundation. This comparison, even if arguable, speaks to his level of humility and self evasiveness.
Alhaji Danu’s focus remains steadfast on growing his businesses and making a positive impact on the lives of those around him. His foray into the business world began as far back as 1985 when he joined LR Group, now known as HLSI Security Systems and Technologies, a company owned by Israeli based Mitrelli Group and part of Mitrelli’s security branch. Alhaji Danu is now the Chairman of the HLSI, although he is better identified with his flagship company, Casiva Limited, a major player in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Alhaji Danu’s other active business and community involvements include: NHD Interbiz Projects Limited, a construction and civil engineering company; Chairman, NHD Farms Ltd; Chairman, Lubrik Construction Company; Chairman, Yenagoa Polo Club; Chairman, Nigerian Army Polo Resort; member, Board of Trustee, and Nigerian Army Polo Club.
Alhaji Danu’s financial success in business and other endeavours earned him a place among 100 Most Influential Nigerians in 2017. This influence was especially evident during his wedding ceremony in august 2017 in Abuja, an event that attracted numerous high-profile guests, effectively shutting down the city as dignitaries flew in from across the nation, causing both air and road traffic congestion. Similarly, his turbaning as Dan Amana Dutse in the same year was a gathering of illustrious personalities, a sort of who-is-who-in-Nigeria, highlighting his esteemed status and connections within the community and beyond.
In addition to his business endeavours, Danu’s philanthropic spirit is legendary. He believes in the Islamic precept that charity is more than a transaction but an act of worship, a means of purifying wealth and soul; that charity does not decrease wealth, for every dime spent for the sake of Allah carries unimaginable rewards. This belief influenced Alhaji Danu to establish Nasiru Haladu Danu Foundation, which seeks to uplift the downtrodden and provide essential services to the under served.
The NHD Foundation has been instrumental in implementing various initiatives that have positively impacted the lives thousands of individuals. He has commissioned several life-changing projects in his hometown of Dutse, Jigawa State, including the construction of a palace for the District Head, the Late Haladu Danu Mosque, and a fully equipped Islamic school. Furthermore, he provided a solar-powered portable drinking water facility, valued at over a hundred million naira, to meet one of the community’s basic needs.
Other notable philanthropic projects executed by NHD Foundation include: Providing support to various security outfits; Organizing a medical outreach programme in Jigawa where medical doctors from the United States of America provided healthcare services to 5,000 people; Providing sustenance to 500 students at the Abuja and Dutse University throughout the month of Ramadan, exemplifying dedication to supporting vulnerable populations; Contributing N50 million towards the construction of the Gomai Nation Development Centre in Plateau State, a hub designed to foster knowledge, entertainment, and entrepreneurship; donate N50m to ZMB homes to construct classrooms for out-of-school children; donation of antenatal care pack to less privileged at Police Hospital and National Hospital Abuja; and the donation of food items to inmates at Kuje prison.
Alhaji Danu’s philanthropic efforts also extend to the realms of education and the arts. Some notable initiatives include: Awarding scholarships to 146 Jigawa State indigenes, enabling them to pursue their academic aspirations; donating laptops, mobile studios, and financial support to northern artists, promoting cultural development and creativity; and partnering with organizations like the Hypertension Society of Nigeria to raise awareness about critical health issues.
The latest beneficiary is the Jama’atuIzalatilBid’ahWa’iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) Islamic Centre, Abuja, to which Alhaji Danu donated a furnished 11-room building, worth N150 million, that would serve as the Imam’s residence at the Islamic Centre in the Guzape area of Abuja. Commissioned in May 2025, the philanthropist named it to immortalize his late father, Haladu Danu.
Speaking at the public launch attended by the crème of Nigeria political and religious circles, Danu said one of the greatest acts of worship in Islam is giving and spending for the sake of Allah. He thanked Allah for giving him the means and privilege of doing good deeds for his sake. Danu, in his characteristic humility, noted that it’s a rare privilege for him to commission such a project, adding that he was immensely grateful to the JIBWIS Centre for giving him the opportunity.
Beyond his philanthropic work, the sardaunan Dutse /Tafida babban Daura is a strong advocate for national unity. As an active member of the Arewa Consultative Forum, he serves as the Chairman of the Media and Publicity sub-committee, leveraging his platform to promote dialogue and understanding. He has also been instrumental in promoting national unity through musical initiatives, bringing together artists from various regions of Nigeria to foster a sense of unity and cultural exchange. He is a holder of the National Honour of Officer of the Federal Republic, OFR, awarded in 2023 for his meritorious service to the nation.
His leadership and generosity shine through in endeavours that uplift and empower communities, reflecting a deep sense of social responsibility. Today, the suave business man could pass arguably as one of the most charitable billionaires around as his flame of philanthropy appears inextinguishable.
The selection of Alhaji Haladu Danu as The Top10 Magazine’s Man of the Year 2025 is in recognition of his landmark humanitarian gestures and his commitment to touching lives in different ways over the years, especially in the year under review, which clearly stands him out not only as a father of compassion, but Nigeria’s philanthropic leader.
