Two Port Terminal Operators, APM Terminals Apapa and West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) Onne, have jointly committed more than N300 million to helping to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease in Nigeria.
Mr Martin Jacob, the Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa, disclosed this in a statement in Lagos on Tuesday.
According to him, “this is one battle we must join hands together to fight, and with the strong leadership being provided by the Federal Government, Nigeria will overcome this difficult times.”
Jacob said that the items donated by the company were aimed at preventing the spread of the virus at the port since there was currently no vaccine to prevent it.
“The only option available to us all at this trying time is prevention. The responsibility lies on all of us to protect ourselves and render all possible assistance within available resources.
“The basic precautionary measures to take such as not touching our eyes, nose, or mouth, regular washing of hands with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer, maintaining social distance.
“Also, avoiding large gatherings must be respected by all including at the port where we provide essential services,” he said.
Jacob said that APM Terminals Apapa had contributed N150 million into the Federal Government’s COVID-19 Relief Fund Account created by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), while WACT had contributed N50 million into the same account.
He said that in addition, the APM Terminals Apapa had donated 1,000 units of nose masks, 500 disposable protective coveralls, 400 litres of hand sanitizers, protective goggles and hand gloves to the Lagos Port Complex of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
“The donation into the COVID-19 Relief Fund Account and the donation of safety items are coming barely two weeks after the company donated USD 200,000 (over N75 million) into the United Nations in Nigeria Basket Fund for the fight against COVID-19 in Nigeria.
“They also committed another N25 million on community awareness through radio, social media as well as fliers to sensitize the Apapa community on how to curb the spread of the pandemic,” he said.
The statement said that the General Manager, External Relations, APM Terminals Apapa, Mr Daniel Odibe, while handing over the nose masks and other items to the Port Manager of Lagos Port Complex Apapa, Mrs Funmilayo Olotu, had called for all hands to be on deck to curtail the spread of the deadly virus.
“As a responsible corporate citizen of Nigeria, APM Terminals Apapa, has complied with the directive of the Federal Government and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to maintain continuity in port operation.
“In line with the directive, our terminal is in full operation. We have also adopted stringent safety measures in line with the guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Port Health Services.
“This is to ensure that the supply chain remains uninterrupted and availability of essential supplies is maintained in the face of the pandemic,” he said.
Mrs Funmilayo Olotu, the Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex Apapa, while receiving the items in the company of other top NPA officials attached to the port, expressed appreciation to APM Terminals Apapa for the donation.nan
