Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Alhaji Gidado Idris (GCON), is dead. He died at the age of 82.

The Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, confirmed the news Facebook post on Saturday morning.

“From God we all came and to Him we shall all return. Just learnt that former SGF Mallam Gidado Idris died on Friday. May Allah Grant his soul Aljannah Firdaus. Amin,” el-Rufai wrote.

Born on March 15, 1935 in Zaria, Kaduna State, Idris was trusted aide to the late Premier of Northern Nigeria and Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello.

When General Abacha took over on November 17, 1993, Idris became the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Finance and a few months later, he was appointed SGF, a post he held till he retired in 1999.