By Uzor Odigbo
Dr. Dakuku Peterside, former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), on Thursday said the demise of the immediate past Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Shippers Council, Captain Adamu Biu, was a huge loss to the maritime industry.
Peterside, who praised the deceased’s contributions to the maritime sector, said, “The maritime industry has lost a titan, a thorough bred professional and a compass who understood the maritime industry with insights.”
“He was a mentor to many young professionals and always ready to share knowledge and assist younger ones. He was blessed with deep knowledge and disarming humility.”
The former NIMASA boss noted that throughout the tenure of late Biu at the Nigeria Shippers Council which spanned eight years (2004-2012), he brought about innovations and policies that helped shape the industry.
“During my tenure as the DG of NIMASA, I found his insights and advices invaluable. He was always available to tap from his reservoir of knowledge and offer admonitions where necessary.
“Nigeria has lost a great son, who contributed immensely to the growth and development of the maritime sector. The vacuum he has created will be difficult to feel for a long time.
“My condolences to the government and people of Borno State for losing an illustrious son, who shone brightly and remained dignified throughout his lifetime. He was indeed a role model,” he stated.
Biu, the third Executive Secretary of NSC, who also served as Vice President, Nigerian Association of Master Mariners, died on Monday in Abuja at the age of 70.
Born on October 14, 1950, the late Captain Biu attended Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria and the LBS Nautical and Engineering College.
He served as a Master at the defunct Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL) and the Africa Ocean Lines in the 1980s.
On Tuesday, staff of the NSC said they were saddened by the death of their former boss.
Mrs. Rakiya Zubairu, Head, Public Relations, NSC, made the disclosure in a statement in Lagos.
“Gloom was cast over the headquarters of Nigerian Shippers Council, Apapa, when the news of the demise of Capt. Biu filtered in,” she wrote.
“Biu was the third and immediate past Executive Secretary/CEO of NSC and served two terms from (2004-2012)
“He brought his wealth of experience as a master mariner to connect the NSC to the industry and is credited with pioneering works on Dry Ports and the regulatory status of the NSC.
“He was an internationalist who worked assiduously with Shippers Councils in Africa, thereby bringing regional collaboration which subsists till date.”