15/09/2025
The Man at 90: He Built Nigerian Ports, A Life On Principle and Pan-African Pride.
“Once in a lifetime, remarkable personalities appear; some are well known, while others contribute quietly."
As Dr. Bamanga Mohammed Tukur turned 90, Nigeria, friends and associates did not merely mark another birthday. They celebrated a life of unprecedented public service: one built on infrastructure, integrity, and a persistent belief in Africa’s dignity. In an era when many political careers are stained with scandal, Tukur's record remains remarkably clean, never formally accused, never under indictment, yet ever ready to give account of his stewardship.
Born 15 September 1935, in what is now Adamawa State, Tukur first rose to national prominence when he was appointed General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in 1975, a post he held until 1982. In those years, under his leadership,
Nigeria transformed its ports landscape: expansions at Apapa (including the Third Wharf extension), development of Tin Can Island Port, and improvements in Warri, Sapele, Calabar and Onne ports among others. The port infrastructure built under his watch eased congestion, lowered transaction costs for trade, and positioned Nigeria to be a hub in West Africa’s maritime trade.
From infrastructure builder to political leader: in 1983, Tukur was elected Governor of Gongola State — now divided into Adamawa and Taraba. Though his governorship was short-lived owing to national political upheaval, it paved the way for further public service: he served as Minister for Industries (1994-1995), and several years later, in 2012, became National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), resigning in 2014.
After stepping down as PDP chairman, President Goodluck Jonathan appointed him Ambassador-at-Large in mid-2014, entrusting him with “special duties” – an acknowledgement of his long experience, credibility, and ongoing relevance in national affairs.
Beyond Nigeria, Tukur’s influence is continental. He headed the African Business Roundtable (ABR), chaired the NEPAD Business Group, served as vice-chairman of the International Ports & Harbours Association, and held high posts in global cargo-handling and maritime organizations. His awards and honours span nations: Nigeria’s Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON); the Commander of the Order of the Mono, Togo; Commander of the Order of the Niger of Côte d’Ivoire, among others.
Perhaps as important as what he built is how he built it: transparently, courageously, without scandal. Even when others in high office fled accountability, Tukur repeatedly volunteered to submit himself to scrutiny. As a non-African-borne observer once remarked, his firm stance that Africa is not a “begging plate” but a trade partner of equals earned him respect in capitals from Accra to Abidjan, Lagos to Johannesburg. He supported the Afeican Diaspora community and initiated the as the sixth region of Africa at the AU summits and internationally, founding main and top organisations for the Diaspora.
He is also blessed with family: children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, all heirs to a legacy of aspiration and service.
Ports credited to Dr. Bamanga Tukur’s leadership at NPA
Third Wharf extension, Lagos Port Complex, Apapa
Tin Can Island Port, Lagos
Warri Port
Sapele Port
Calabar Port
Onne Port
Dr. Tukur’s 90 years remind us of what is possible when leadership is bound by principle: when infrastructure is not simply about steel and concrete but about enabling trade, reducing inequality, forging national dignity. His example is a benchmark for future generations of Nigerians, Africans, and the Black diaspora: build with vision, govern with integrity, defend African.
