Northern Governors mourn Bamanga Tukur, hail his decades of service to Nigeria

By Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

The Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NNGF) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Governor of the old Gongola State and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur (Tafidan Adamawa).

The Northern Governors said this in a condolence message signed by their Chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.

Alhaji Bamanga Tukur passed away in Abuja on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at the age of 90.

The NNGF described the death of the elder statesman as a profound loss to the North and the nation, saying Nigeria had lost one of its most experienced public servants, political leaders and champions of economic development.

They noted that the late Bamanga Tukur’s public service spanned more than six decades, during which he served the country in several critical capacities, including as Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Governor of the old Gongola State and Minister of Industries.

The Northern Governors also acknowledged his contributions to Africa’s economic development through the Africa Business Roundtable and the NEPAD Business Group, as well as his leadership of the PDP as National Chairman from 2012 to 2014.

According to the NNGF, “Alhaji Tukur’s vast experience in public administration, politics, business and continental affairs established him as one of the prominent figures of his generation whose contributions will remain part of Nigeria’s history.

“Alhaji Bamanga Tukur lived a long and impactful life, serving Nigeria in several critical capacities and contributing significantly to the growth of our economy, institutions and political development.

“His wealth of experience, wisdom and commitment to public service will be greatly missed. His death is a great loss to the North and the entire nation,” they said.

The Northern Governors commiserated with the government and people of Adamawa State, the Bamanga Tukur family, friends and associates of the deceased, praying Allah to forgive his shortcomings, reward his lifetime of service to humanity and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.