President Bola Tinubu has described the death of former Governor of the old Gongola State, Bamanga Tukur, as the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s political and economic history.

Tukur, the Tafidan Adamawa, died on Saturday at the age of 90.

In a condolence message, the President said the elder statesman left an enduring mark across public administration, politics, industry and continental economic development. He particularly recalled Tukur’s role in transforming Nigeria’s maritime sector while serving as General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority between 1975 and 1982.

Tukur later entered frontline politics and was elected Governor of the old Gongola State in 1983. He also served as Federal Minister of Industries between 1993 and 1995. In the private sector, he chaired major companies with interests in manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and trading.

Beyond Nigeria, Tukur became a strong advocate for Africa’s economic integration. He served as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group, where he promoted intra-African trade and private sector-led growth. He also led the Peoples Democratic Party as National Chairman from 2012 to 2014.

Tinubu described Tukur as urbane, generous and deeply committed to integrity and service. He extended condolences to the Tukur family, the Adamawa Emirate, the state government and the wider political and business communities in Nigeria and across Africa.

Photo credit: Punch Newspaper