Bamanga Tukur: Nigeria Has Lost an Elder Statesman, Bridge-Builder at 90 — PANDEF By Wilson Macaulay Yenagoa

 












The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has mourned the death of former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) helmsman and distinguished elder statesman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, CON, describing his death as a great loss to Nigeria and Africa.

In a condolence statement signed by the National Chairman of PANDEF, Prof. Godknows Igali, the organisation described the late Bamanga Tukur as an outstanding patriot, bridge-builder, administrator, diplomat, business leader and politician whose contributions to national development and integration would remain indelible.

PANDEF said Tukur, who died on September 12, 2026, at the age of 90, just three days short of his 91st birthday, lived a life defined by service to humanity, national unity and the advancement of Nigeria and Africa.

According to the statement, the late elder statesman distinguished himself by his ability to rise above ethnic, religious and regional considerations in his relationships and public responsibilities.

PANDEF particularly recalled Tukur’s tenure at the Nigerian Ports Authority, where, according to the Forum, he demonstrated an uncommon commitment to balanced national development by giving attention to ports across the country, including Port Harcourt, Calabar, Warri and Onne, alongside Apapa and Tin-Can Island.

The Forum said the South-South geopolitical zone had particular reason to remember Tukur with gratitude for his contribution to the development and recognition of the region’s maritime and economic potentials.

PANDEF also acknowledged his contribution to national politics, particularly his tenure as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, where he was remembered for his firm, principled and no-nonsense leadership.

The Forum noted that Tukur’s contributions extended beyond Nigeria, pointing to his involvement in processes associated with the establishment of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the consolidation of the African Business Roundtable (ABR), as well as other continental trade and investment initiatives.

Prof. Igali said the late statesman’s legacy could not be measured only by the public offices he occupied or the institutions he helped build, but also by the lives he positively influenced through mentorship.

“Baba,” as he was fondly called by many of his mentees and associates across Nigeria and Africa, was described by PANDEF as a humble and fatherly figure who devoted considerable time to mentoring younger generations and promoting relationships across ethnic and geographical boundaries.

PANDEF said his passing had created a huge vacuum in the national leadership space, especially at a time when Nigeria needed more voices committed to unity, peace, equity and inclusive development.

The Forum, however, urged Nigerians to celebrate the life and contributions of the deceased, stressing that his decades of service to Nigeria and Africa had left behind an enduring legacy.

PANDEF expressed condolences to the family of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, his associates, the government and people of Nigeria, and prayed God Almighty to grant him eternal rest.

“May the soul of Baba Bamanga Tukur, CON, rest in perfect peace, and may God grant his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” the statement concluded.

Signed:

Prof. Godknows Igali

National Chairman

Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF)

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