By Muhyideen Jimoh, Abuja/ Ibrahim Kado, Yola, Sept. 12, 2026
President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of elder statesman, renowned businessman and former Governor of old Gongola State, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.
Tukur, the Tafidan Adamawa, died at 90, with Tinubu describing his death as the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s history.
This is contained in a statement issued by the President’s Spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday in Abuja.
Tinubu described Tukur as a towering figure whose distinguished career spanned public administration, governance, industry, politics and pan-African business leadership.
The President’s statement came as the family of the late Tukur, a former National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has fixed Sunday for his burial.
Tukur’s son, who is also the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Adamawa, Auwal, announced this in a statement issued in Yola on Saturday.
The younger Tukur, who said that his father died on Saturday in Abuja, added that the corpse would arrive at Yola same day.
“The late elder statesman will be laid to rest on Sunday, 13th September 2026, after funeral prayers at the Lamido’s Palace by 10:00 a.m.,” he said.
He stated that his father passed away three days to his 91st birthday.
“He is survived by two wives and 18 children, among them the Secretary to the Government of Adamawa State, Awwal Tukur,” the statement said.
Born on Sept. 15, 1935, Tukur rose to national prominence as General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) from 1975 to 1982.
The President, according to Mr. Onanuga, recalled that Tukur helped modernise port operations and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s maritime sector during his tenure.
He also recalled Tukur’s entry into politics during the Second Republic, culminating in his election as Governor of old Gongola State in 1983.
Tinubu said Tukur later distinguished himself in the private sector as Chairman of BHI Holdings and DADDO Group of Companies.
The companies had interests in manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and trading, while Tukur also served as Minister of Industries from 1993 to 1995.
On the continental stage, Tinubu described Tukur as an eloquent champion of Africa’s economic renaissance and a strong advocate of private sector-led growth.
He said Tukur, as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group, promoted intra-African trade and sustainable development.
Tinubu also recalled Tukur’s service as National Chairman of the PDP from March 2012 to January 2014.
He said Tukur made sterling contributions to Nigeria’s democracy through his efforts to promote party discipline and build consensus.
“Alhaji Tukur was urbane, generous and deeply rooted in the values of integrity and service that the Adamawa Emirate and the nation hold dear.
“He was a man of big ideas and bold enterprise who believed in Nigeria’s limitless potential. Nigeria will sorely miss his wise counsel and fatherly guidance,” Tinubu said.
The President extended his condolences to the Tukur family, Fombina Emirate, and the government and people of Adamawa.
He also commiserated with Nigeria’s political and business communities and their counterparts across Africa over the loss.
