BREAKING: Billionaire Gongola Ex-Gov Bamanga Tukur Dies 3 Days To 91st Birthday; Home State Declares 3 Days Mourning
A one-time National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, who was Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and ex-Governor of the defunct Gongola State, Alhaji Bamanga Mohammed Tukur, has died at the age of 90.
The Billionaire businessman-politician, who was born on September 15, 1935, died just three days before what would have been his 91st birthday.
Adamawa State’s Governor Ahmadu Fintiri described his death as a monumental loss to the state and the nation, and declared three days of mourning.
Throughout Adamawa, all government flags are to fly at half-mast.
His family announced his passing in a statement on Saturday, September 12, 2026, signed by his son, Hon. Awwal D. Tukur.
“It is with profound sadness and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah that the family announces the passing of our beloved father and patriarch, Alhaji Bamanga Mohammed Tukur, who returned to his Creator today 12th September 2026,” the statement read.
The family described him as a patriarch who lived a distinguished life of service to his family, community, Adamawa State and Nigeria, adding that his wisdom, generosity and commitment to national development touched countless lives.
He passed away at a hospital in Abuja, and his remains were subsequently flown to Yola, Adamawa State, for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
His public career spanned more than five decades. He served as General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority from 1975 to 1982 before being elected Governor of the old Gongola State during the Second Republic.
His tenure was cut short by the military coup of December 1983.
He later served as Minister of Industries under the military administration of General Sani Abacha from 1993 to 1995.
In March 2012, Tukur emerged as National Chairman of the PDP with the backing of then-President Goodluck Jonathan.
He held the position until January 2014, when he resigned amid prolonged internal factional disputes within the ruling party, including the emergence of the “New PDP” faction.
Beyond politics, Tukur was a prominent businessman and continental economic figure.
He founded BHI Holdings, also known as the Daddo Group, and served as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group.
He was also the first African Vice President of the International Association of Ports and Harbours.
He held the traditional titles of Tafidan Adamawa and Wakilin Ganye in Adamawa State, and was a recipient of Nigeria’s national honour, Commander of the Order of the Niger, as well as Commander of the Order of the Mono from the Republic of Togo.
