Former governor of the old Gongola State, Minister of Industries and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bamanga Tukur, has died at the age of 90.
Tukur died on Saturday at about noon at his residence in Abuja, according to a statement issued by his former media aide, Oliver Okpala, with the consent of his children, Awwal Tukur and Lami Tukur.
The statement said his remains would be transported to Adamawa for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
Tukur died three days before his 91st birthday. He was born on September 15, 1935.
Reacting to his father’s death, Awwal Tukur said the family had accepted it as the will of Allah, adding that they would draw comfort from the life their father lived and the legacy he left behind.
The family statement also said sympathisers, political associates and close relatives had gathered at Tukur’s Abuja residence to pay their respects.
Tinubu, Mourn
President Bola Tinubu described Tukur’s death as the end of a significant chapter in Nigeria’s political and economic history.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the late politician as a towering figure whose career covered public administration, governance, business, politics and pan-African economic leadership.
“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 expressed condolences to Tukur’s family, the Fombina Emirate of Adamawa, the Adamawa State Government and members of Nigeria’s political and business communities, as well as associates across Africa.
Tukur became prominent nationally in the 1970s after serving as General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority between 1975 and 1982.
He later ventured into politics and was elected governor of the old Gongola State in 1983. His administration was, however, cut short following the military takeover later that year.
After leaving political office, Tukur founded BHI Holdings, also known as the DADDO Group of Companies, and became an influential figure in Nigeria’s business community and the wider African private sector.
He subsequently served as Minister of Industries under the military government of General Sani Abacha from 1993 to 1995.
At the continental level, Tukur served as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group, where he contributed to efforts promoting African economic development and private-sector expansion.
He also held the traditional title of Tafidan Adamawa and was honoured nationally as a Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
Burial Arrangements
The family said Tukur’s remains would be taken to Yola, the Adamawa State capital, for burial.
According to the burial programme released by the family, funeral prayers will be held at the Lamido’s Palace at 10:00am on Sunday, September 13, 2026, after which he will be buried.
Tukur is survived by his children and grandchildren, including Awwal Tukur, who serves as Secretary to the Adamawa State Government.
Source: Family Statement
