The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has mourned the death of its former General Manager and Chief Executive, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, describing the late elder statesman as a pillar of trade facilitation and an inspiration to generations of Nigerians.

Tukur, who died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the age of 90, headed the Nigerian Ports Authority from 1975 to 1982, during a crucial period in the development of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure. His death was confirmed by his family and has drawn tributes from political, business and public sector leaders.

The NPA Managing Director and Chief Executive, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, expressed the authority’s condolences to the deceased’s immediate family, the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the people of Adamawa State.

Dantsoho, who joined the Executive Governor of Adamawa State to receive the remains of the late business mogul, said Tukur’s death represented a significant loss to Nigeria’s maritime and trade facilitation community.

In a statement signed by the NPA General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, Dantsoho said the management and staff of the authority were deeply saddened by the passing of its former chief executive.

“I will like to, on behalf of the entire Management and Staff of the NPA, express our profound condolences and deepest sympathies to his immediate family, the Federal Republic of Nigeria and indeed the good people of Adamawa State on the demise of a pillar of trade facilitation and an inspiration to many,” he said.

Dantsoho noted that Tukur’s years at the helm of the NPA formed an important chapter in the history of Nigeria’s port administration and maritime development.

Tukur had risen through the ranks at the NPA before becoming its General Manager and Chief Executive in 1975, a position he held until 1982. He later went on to occupy several prominent positions in government, business and continental economic organisations.

Beyond his maritime career, Tukur served briefly as governor of the old Gongola State in 1983 before the military coup that ended the Second Republic. He later served as Minister of Industries and became a prominent figure in African business and economic affairs.

He also served as a leader of the African Business Roundtable and the NEPAD Business Group, reflecting his longstanding involvement in efforts to promote trade, investment and private sector development across Africa.

Tukur subsequently returned to frontline politics and was elected National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2012, a position he held until his resignation in January 2014.

For the NPA, however, his years of service remain particularly significant for the role he played in the development of Nigeria’s port administration and trade facilitation system.

Dantsoho said Tukur’s legacy would continue to resonate within the authority and the wider maritime community, particularly among those committed to improving Nigeria’s position in global trade.

The NPA boss extended prayers and sympathy to the family, associates and people of Adamawa State, describing Tukur as a distinguished Nigerian whose contributions cut across public service, maritime administration, business and national development.

Tukur was born on September 15, 1935, and died three days before his 91st birthday. He was also a recipient of the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

His remains were taken to Adamawa for burial in accordance with Islamic rites, with funeral prayers scheduled for Sunday, September 13, in Yola.

The NPA prayed for the repose of Tukur’s soul and strength for his family to bear the Irreparable loss.