APM Terminals, a top container terminal operator, has paid for a chartered flight to deliver vital health supplies acquired under the auspices of the United Nations to support the fight against Coronavirus pandemic otherwise known as COVID-19 in Nigeria.
Mohammed Ahmed, managing director of APM Terminals Nigeria, who confirmed this development over the weekend, said the chartered flight delivered the essential items to Nigeria last Thursday, April 16, 2020.
“It is very important to keep the flow of food supplies, medicine and personal protective equipment (PPE) running to be able to navigate through the COVID-19 breakout. Therefore, we are happy to support in flying vital equipment to families in Nigeria,” Ahmed said.
Read Also: APM Terminals Apapa boosts operational efficiency with 4G wireless network
Ahmed said this was in addition to the contribution of USD200,000 (over N75 million) to the United Nations in Nigeria Basket Fund, and the contribution of another N200 million directly into the Federal Government’s COVID-19 Relief Fund Account at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to boost government efforts in addressing the pandemic.
He also recalled that the company spent an additional N25 million on creating community awareness through the media as well as fliers to sensitise Nigerians about the pandemic.
The chartered flight, which landed at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos brought in various health items made up of 10,000 test kits, 15 oxygen concentrators, and various PPE, vaccines, IEHK/PEP kits, and other vital health supplies acquired by the UN.
The supplies will support the Federal Government, through the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), to prevent and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in affected states across the country.
“COVID-19 is no respecter of persons, boundaries or territories. All hands must, therefore, be on deck to curtail its spread across the world. Our various contributions, which collectively amount to over N400 million so far, show our high esteem for the country and for our people. We believe that when we work together, we will overcome this pandemic soon,” Ahmed said.
He also emphasised the importance of strict adherence to the various safety measures issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and NCDC in curtailing the virus.
Ahmed further requested importers to take delivery of their containers lest the terminals become congested.
APM Terminals in both Apapa and Onne have continued to provide uninterrupted services during the lockdown. Measures such as providing hotel accommodation around Apapa for personnel have ensured smooth operations.
