Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, who was a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), elder statesman and renowned businessman, has died at the age of 90.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the former governor of the old Gongola State, describing his passing as the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s political and economic history.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described Tukur, the Tafidan Adamawa, as a towering figure whose career spanned public administration, governance, industry, politics and pan-African business leadership.
Born on September 15, 1935, Bamanga Tukur rose to national prominence as the General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority, a position he held from 1975 to 1982.
During his tenure, Tukur contributed to efforts to modernise port operations and strengthen Nigeria’s maritime sector.
His political career gained prominence during the Second Republic when he was elected governor of the old Gongola State in 1983. The territory was later divided into what are now Adamawa and Taraba states.
Tukur subsequently built a significant career in the private sector, serving as Chairman of BHI Holdings and the DADDO Group of Companies, with interests spanning manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and trading.
He also served as Federal Minister of Industries under the military administration of General Sani Abacha between 1993 and 1995.
Beyond Nigeria, Bamanga Tukur played a prominent role in promoting Africa’s economic development and regional business cooperation.
As Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group, he advocated intra-African trade, private sector-led economic growth and sustainable development.
His continental engagements established him as an influential voice in efforts to promote stronger economic integration and private-sector participation across Africa.
Tukur served as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party from March 2012 to January 2014.
President Tinubu acknowledged his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development during his time as PDP chairman, particularly his efforts toward party discipline and consensus-building.
Reflecting on Tukur’s legacy, Tinubu described the late elder statesman as a man of integrity, service, enterprise and strong belief in Nigeria’s potential.
“Alhaji Tukur was urbane, generous and deeply rooted in the values of integrity and service that the Adamawa Emirate and the nation hold dear,” the President said.
He added that Tukur was “a man of big ideas and bold enterprise” who believed in Nigeria’s limitless potential.
President Tinubu extended his condolences to the Tukur family, the Fombina Emirate of Adamawa, the Adamawa State Government and people, as well as Nigeria’s political and business communities and stakeholders across Africa.
The President prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive Tukur’s shortcomings, grant him Aljannah Firdaus, and give strength and comfort to his family and everyone mourning his death.
The passing of Bamanga Tukur marks the loss of a prominent figure who played significant roles in Nigeria’s public administration, politics, business and African economic development over several decades.
