The Controller of the Apapa Customs Command of the Nigerian Customs Service, Comptroller Mohammed Abba-Kura, on Thursday, said ten of his officers contracted the COVID-19 disease and were treated at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
This is even as the Controller stated that any vessel Red-Flagged for issues with health or safety concern will not be boarded by his officers until cleared by relevant government agencies.
Addressing maritime journalists in his office, on Thursday, Comptroller Mohammed Abba-Kura explained that there is no way the Command can stop physical examination of cargoes for now because of the fear of COVID-19, that rather, it is important for individuals to observe physical hygiene while carrying out port activities.
According to Abba-Kura, “When two of my officers tested positive to the COVID-19 virus, I ordered that the entire unit where those two were working should go for testing, and it was later discovered that another eight had the virus.
“They have all been treated at LUTH and discharged. It is important that people observe personal hygiene when working in a place like the ports. Look at these face mask, it is supposed to be disposable after use, but you will see people using it for days without disposing after first use.
“Now, most of my officers are better informed following training that was carried out by Doctors sent to us from the Customs headquarters in Abuja.”
On the Red-Flag raised by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on 13 ships that had visited COVID-19 high prone countries, the Comptroller stated that any ship that has been flagged by necessary Government agencies over health or safety concern will not be boarded by Customs officers until duly cleared by relevant agencies of government handling such issue.
On revenue generation, the Controller revealed that it generated about N52.369 billion from export trade and N227.347 billion revenue between January and June 2020.
.jpg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
No comments:
Post a Comment