From Anthony Nwachukwu, Lagos
APM Terminals Nigeria has backed the nation’s efforts at curtailing the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) with N100 million, even as it sustains operations in Apapa and Onne ports.
The port operator said that in line with the guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), it has adopted stringent measures to ensure an uninterrupted supply chain and availability of essential supplies in the face of the pandemic.
According to thee Managing Director of APM Terminals Nigeria, Mohammed Ahmed, “as an essential service provider, all terminal operations are running normally and we urge importers to continue taking delivery of their containers to enable the fresh discharge of incoming cargo.”
He disclosed that the company has contributed N75 million towards the United Nations in Nigeria basket fund and was committing N25 million to community awareness through radio, social media and fliers to sensitise the Apapa community against the spread of the pandemic.
The UN, working with the government, is mobilising funds to ensure adequate essential health equipment for testing, quarantine and medical care, including for temporary hospitals/quarantine and designated emergency centres in the country.
Stressing the imperative of concerted efforts at containing the pandemic, Ahmed stated that “no one is immune or invulnerable to this disease. We urge all to adhere to the guidance from government in order to curb the spread of this pandemic.
“In this time of need, APM Terminals is honoured to discharge its duty to the nation. The wellbeing of our community remains of paramount importance to us. Through our contribution to the UN basket fund, we will play our part in strengthening the country’s capacity to respond.”
Also speaking on the donation, UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, said, “the UN system in Nigeria will support and complement government’s efforts to immediately set up a national response fund that will serve as a single national platform and financing framework, coordinating partnerships and mobilising resources that can make an effective impact on the ground.”
