The President said Tukur’s distinguished career spanned public administration, governance, industry, politics and pan-African business leadership.
Born on September 15, 1935, Tukur rose to national prominence as the General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority, a position he held from 1975 to 1982. During his tenure, he contributed to the modernisation of port operations and the development of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
President Tinubu recalled Tukur’s entry into politics during the Second Republic, which culminated in his election as Governor of the old Gongola State in 1983. The state was later divided into present-day Adamawa and Taraba states.
Tukur also made significant contributions to Nigeria’s private sector as Chairman of BHI Holdings and the DADDO Group of Companies. The business groups had interests in manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and trading.
He later served as the Federal Minister of Industries under the administration of General Sani Abacha between 1993 and 1995.
At the continental level, Tukur was recognised as a strong advocate of Africa’s economic development. As Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group, he promoted intra-African trade, private-sector-led growth and sustainable development.
He also served as the National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party from March 2012 to January 2014.
President Tinubu acknowledged Tukur’s contributions to Nigeria’s democracy, particularly his efforts to promote party discipline and build consensus within the PDP.
President Tinubu described the late elder statesman as urbane, generous and deeply committed to integrity and public service.
Alhaji Tukur was urbane, generous and deeply rooted in the values of integrity and service that the Adamawa Emirate and the nation hold dear, Tinubu said.
He was a man of big ideas and bold enterprise who believed in Nigeria’s limitless potential. Nigeria will sorely miss his wise counsel and fatherly guidance.
The President extended his condolences to the Tukur family, the Fombina Emirate of Adamawa, the Adamawa State Government and people, as well as Nigeria’s political and business communities and Tukur’s associates across Africa.
He prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive the deceased’s shortcomings, grant him Aljannah Firdaus and comfort his family and all those mourning his death
