Lagos –  Key players in the maritime industry on Monday lauded Chief Adebayo Sarumi, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), for the roles he played in port concession and regulation.

The stakeholders took their turns to make the commendation in Lagos at a Colloquium on Port Reform and other activities to mark the 70th Birthday of Sarumi.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Mr Hassan Bello, said that the attainment of the port regulator status of the council was due to the efforts of Sarumi.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sarumi was the Managing Director of the NPA from 2003 to 2007 and the Managing Director of the Shippers’ Council from 1996 to 2003.

“The success of the port commercial regulator is a seed that was planted by Sarumi.

“Sarumi also created a link between Nigerian judges and the maritime industry which made the industry to gain more confidence,’’ Bello said.

He said that the confidence encouraged more customers to patronise the ports.

Bello noted that Sarumi also established the Marine Insurance Policy as well as the Cargo Defence　Fund of the NSC.

The Managing Director of the NPA, Malam Habib Abdullahi, who was represented by the NPA General Manager (Administration), Mr Abba Rufai, said that Sarumi had excellent career in the maritime industry.

Abdullahi said that Sarumi displayed experience and intelligence in the maritime industry for the general good of Nigerians.

“It is glad to see that even in retirement, he embraces and understands the need for change as well as continuous improvement critical to the success of the maritime industry.

“His commitment to the development of the service even at retirement is worthy of commendation and emulation, ‘’ Abdullahi said.

Mrs Vicky Haastrup, President of Seaports Terminal Operators’ Association of Nigeria (STOAN), described Sarumi as a man of honour.

Haastrup said: “When Sarumi speaks, no one faults him.’’

She said that the maritime expert contributed immensely to the operations of terminals.

The President of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANALCA), Chief Olayiwola Shittu, said that Sarumi played vital roles in the success of port concession in Nigeria.

“Chief Sarumi went out of his way to reach out to all the stakeholders and made us to understand the importance and benefits of port concession,’’ he said.(NAN)