‘Baba’ Bamanga Tukur Dies at 90, Left Behind Generations of Mentees
— Says Prof. Igali, PANDEF National Chairman
By Wilson Macaulay
Yenagoa
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The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has mourned the death of Nigeria’s distinguished elder statesman, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) chief executive and renowned African statesman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, CON, describing his passing at the age of 90 as the departure of a father figure who left behind generations of mentees.
In a condolence statement signed by the National Chairman of PANDEF, Prof. Godknows Igali, the Forum described the late Tukur as an accomplished public servant, diplomat, business leader and politician whose remarkable contributions to Nigeria and Africa would remain indelible.
Bamanga Tukur died on September 12, 2026, just three days before his 91st birthday, which was scheduled to be celebrated on September 15.
Prof. Igali said Tukur’s legacy extended far beyond the public offices he occupied, stressing that one of the greatest aspects of his life was his commitment to mentoring people from different parts of Nigeria and across the African continent.
According to him, the late statesman was fondly called “Baba” by many of his associates and mentees because he willingly assumed a fatherly role in their lives and offered guidance, counsel and encouragement with remarkable humility.
“Baba Bamanga Tukur was a father to many. He mentored generations of Nigerians and Africans, and he did so with uncommon humility, wisdom and humour. His impact cannot be measured only by the positions he held, but also by the lives he touched,” Prof. Igali stated.
PANDEF noted that Tukur was a strong believer in national unity and refused to allow ethnicity, religion, language or regional considerations to define his relationships with people.
The Forum recalled his tenure at the Nigerian Ports Authority, where he was credited with promoting the development of ports across Nigeria, including Port Harcourt, Calabar, Warri and Onne, alongside Apapa and Tin-Can Island.
Prof. Igali said the South-South geopolitical zone had particular reasons to appreciate Tukur’s contribution to the balanced development of the nation’s maritime sector.
The PANDEF chairman also recalled Tukur’s role in Nigerian politics, particularly his tenure as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, describing him as a firm and principled leader who was committed to national integration.
Beyond Nigeria, the Forum said the late elder statesman made significant contributions to African economic development and continental integration.
PANDEF specifically acknowledged his role in processes associated with the establishment of the African Export-Import Bank, Afreximbank, and his contributions to the consolidation of the African Business Roundtable, as well as other continental trade and investment platforms.
Prof. Igali said Tukur’s life demonstrated that public service could be deployed to unite people, strengthen institutions and promote economic cooperation.
“He was a nationalist who believed that Nigeria’s diversity was a strength and not a weakness. He built relationships across divides and contributed immensely to the idea of a more united Nigeria and a more integrated Africa,” he said.
PANDEF described his death as a major loss to his family, Nigeria and the African continent, noting that the vacuum created by his departure would be deeply felt by those who benefited from his wisdom, experience and mentorship.
The Forum, however, urged Nigerians and Africans to celebrate the life of the deceased and the enduring legacy he left behind.
PANDEF extended its condolences to the Tukur family, the government and people of Nigeria, as well as the numerous individuals and organisations that benefited from his long years of service.
Prof. Igali prayed God Almighty to grant the late statesman eternal rest and give his family, friends, associates and mentees the fortitude to bear the loss.
Although Baba has departed, the generations he mentored remain a living testimony to his life of service, humility, patriotism and humanity,” Prof. Igali added.
DemocracyNewslineNewspaper, September 14, 2026
