From Anthony Nwachukwu, Lagos
In collaboration with its sister-company, the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), Onne, leading terminal operator, APM Terminals Apapa, has so far committed over N300 million to the nation’s fight against the Coronavirus (Covid-19) scourge.
The sum represents the single biggest assistance from both public and private organisations in the Nigerian maritime industry and includes the N150 million and N50 million contributed to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Covid-19 Relief Fund Account by APM Terminals and WACT respectively.
It also donated $200,000 (over N75 million) to the United Nations in Nigeria Basket Fund for the same end, and another N25 million on community awareness through radio, social media and fliers to sensitise the Apapa community on preventive measures.
Others included the 1,000 nose masks, 500 disposable protective coveralls, 400 litres of hand sanitiser, protective goggles and hand gloves donated to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) through the Lagos Port Complex.
According to the Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa, Martin Jacob, “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 time.”
He added that in the absence of any vaccine yet, “the only option available to us all at this trying time is prevention. The responsibility lies with all of us to protect ourselves and render all possible assistance within available resources.
“The basic precautionary measures, such as not touching our eyes, nose or mouth, regular washing of hands with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitiser, maintaining social distance and avoiding large gatherings must be respected by all, including at the port where we provide essential services.”
Presenting the items to the LPC Port Manager, Funmilayo Olotu, the company’s General Manager, External Relations, Daniel Odibe, urged all hands on deck to stem the spread of the pandemic.
Odibe explained that, “as a responsible corporate citizen, APM Terminals Apapa has complied with the directive of the Federal Government and the Nigerian Ports Authority to maintain continuity in port operation. 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, to ensure that the supply chain remains uninterrupted and availability of essential supplies is maintained in the face of the pandemic.”
