From Anthony Nwachukwu, Lagos
ENL Consortium, the operator of Terminals C and D of the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, has donated nose masks and other protective items to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in support of the Federal Government’s efforts to contain the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic in Nigeria.
The items, which included 3,000 nose masks, 1,000 hand gloves, 1,000 hand sanitisers and infrared thermometers, were presented to the agency by the Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, ENL Consortium, Princess Vicky Haastrup, represented by the company’s Executive Director, Mr. Mark Walsh.
Haastrup said the gesture was part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility, adding that the safety of port workers and users remained a priority to the company.
According to her, “Covid-19 is a problem all over the world, not just in Nigeria. What we are doing with this donation is to back NPA with what we have, because we know that NPA is working on behalf of the Federal Government.
“So, this is to support NPA and the Federal Government to ensure we get through this period. Without the port community working, we don’t have any work either.
“For us, it is very important that we support the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Federal and Lagos State Governments, and do what we can to support this community. We all need the items to keep everybody safe at the port.”
She noted that ENL Consortium, in line with government’s directive, and to ensure that the supply chain is not disrupted, has ensured continuity of operations at its terminals, adding: “We must commend President Muhammadu Buhari for ensuring that the ports remain open during this crisis.
“This is important because even if other sectors of the economy are shut down to guard against the spread of the virus, the seaports should remain open to ensure that there is no shortage of food, drugs and other essential supplies to Nigerians.”
Receiving the items on behalf of the NPA, the Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, Mrs Fumilayo Olotu, said they would go a long way in the fight against the disease at the nation’s seaports.
“We thank you for your collaboration and for sharing in the Federal Government’s commitment to fighting Covid-19,” Olutu said.
“The items donated, especially the thermometer, are relevant to the fight against Covid-19 because we keep checking people coming into the port to ensure that anybody above the normal temperature is isolated and presented for further protocols.
“The protocol in place is such that all of us should be part of, including regular hand washing and social distancing. We hope that in a few weeks, Nigeria would have a wonderful story to tell on how we managed the situation.”
