From NPA to PDP, Afreximbank: Bamanga Tukur Left Enduring Legacy at 90 — PANDEF By Wilson Macaulay Yenagoa

 

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has described the death of former Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) chief executive and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, CON, at the age of 90, as the end of an era of remarkable public service, national integration and continental economic development.

In a condolence statement signed by its National Chairman, Prof. Godknows Igali, PANDEF said Tukur left behind an enduring legacy that spanned public administration, diplomacy, business, politics, trade, investment and mentorship.

Tukur died on September 12, 2026, just three days before his 91st birthday, which would have been celebrated on September 15.

Prof. Igali described the late elder statesman as an accomplished Nigerian who devoted several decades of his life to the service of the nation and the advancement of Africa.

According to PANDEF, Tukur distinguished himself at every stage of his career and demonstrated an uncommon commitment to national unity, irrespective of ethnic, religious or regional differences.

The Forum particularly recalled his tenure at the Nigerian Ports Authority, where he was credited with promoting the development and effective operation of ports across the country.

PANDEF noted that ports in Port Harcourt, Calabar, Warri and Onne received attention alongside Apapa and Tin-Can Island, describing the development as part of Tukur’s commitment to balanced national development.

The Forum said the South-South geopolitical zone would continue to remember the late statesman for his contributions to the development of the region’s maritime and economic potentials.

His contribution to Nigerian politics was also described by PANDEF as significant, particularly his tenure as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Prof. Igali said Tukur brought firmness, discipline and a strong sense of national responsibility to the leadership of the then ruling political party, while consistently advocating national cohesion and integration.

The PANDEF chairman said Tukur’s influence extended beyond Nigeria, noting his contributions to processes that culminated in the establishment of the African Export-Import Bank, Afreximbank, and his role in the consolidation of the African Business Roundtable, ABR.

According to him, the deceased also contributed to several continental trade and investment initiatives aimed at strengthening economic cooperation among African countries.

“His legacy is not confined to one institution or one sector. From the Nigerian Ports Authority to the political arena and the continental economic space, Bamanga Tukur made contributions that will continue to be remembered,” Prof. Igali stated.

PANDEF also highlighted Tukur’s role as a mentor, saying that he influenced generations of Nigerians and Africans who fondly called him “Baba.”

The Forum said his humility, fatherly disposition, wisdom and willingness to mentor younger people constituted an important part of his legacy.

Prof. Igali said Tukur’s ability to relate with people across ethnic, geographical and professional boundaries demonstrated his deep commitment to building bridges and fostering unity.

PANDEF described his death as a major loss to Nigeria and Africa, stressing that the country had lost a statesman whose life was largely defined by service and nation-building.

The Forum commiserated with the Tukur family, the government and people of Nigeria, as well as his numerous associates, mentees and admirers across the African continent.

PANDEF prayed God Almighty to grant the late elder statesman eternal rest and give his family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Prof. Igali added that while Tukur had departed, the institutions he helped strengthen, the causes he championed and the generations he mentored would continue to bear testimony to his remarkable life.