SIFAX Group, NIMASA Scale Down Operations Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic
By DAPO OLAWUNI
In compliance with federal government efforts to contain the spread of Coronavirus pandemic, leading indigenous conglomerate, Sifax Group; operators of the Ports and Cargo Terminal at Tin Can Island Port of Lagos has announced that it has scaled down operations across her different subsidiaries.
This is even as the apex regulatory agency in the maritime sector; Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has equally directed some of its staff to work from home, while limiting the number of visits to its offices.
In a statement on Thursday signed by Mr. Adekunle Oyinloye, Group Managing Director, SIFAX Group, core operations and technical personnel will of the company would however be on ground while the non-essential departments will either maintain a skeletal service or work from home.
“For the few staff that will be at work and clients that will visit our business premises, necessary protective gears, thermometer checks, hand sanitisers, gloves and nose masks have been provided to keep them safe while the clinic at our port terminal in Tin Can Island Port, Lagos is open round the clock to attend to any emergencies”
“For any information or enquiries, kindly contact us through all our social media platforms and our email- [email protected]
“We urge you all to stay safe and follow all precautions as announced by relevant health authorities” he said
Meanwhile, NIMASA on Wednesday advised its staff who have recently travelled to countries with high incidences of COVID-19 to self-isolate for 14 days and inform the agency Search and Rescue Base (SRBC) Clinic for close monitoring.
The statement signed by Head, Corporate Communications of the agency, Isichei Osamgbi directed staff on grade levels 12 and below to work from home in line with the Federal Government’s directive.
“Following Federal Government’s directives in a memo issued from the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, which stated that all non essential public servants on Grade Level 12 and below should stay and work from home, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) today asked staff of the agency within the category to comply with the directive as a measure to curtail the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
“In furtherance to procedures in the prevention of spread of the deadly Coronavirus among staff and external stakeholders of the Agency, the Executive Management led by the Director General, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, further directed all Heads of Departments, Units and Zonal Coordinators to identify some essential staff who will be on duty in their locations on a rotational basis for the next couple of weeks, in order not to totally halt the operations of the Agency until the situation improves.
“Furthermore, all visits to the agency are restricted to Tuesdays and Thursdays between 12noon and 2pm only, for visitors of Assistant Directors and above. Shipping companies and agents as well as other critical stakeholders who transact with operational departments and units of the Agency, are however, exempted from this condition. The media and others can reach the agency on the various online platforms.
“The agency equally advised all staff and citizens to familiarize themselves with the much publicized precautionary measures on COVID-19, such as a high level of hygiene, social distancing, avoiding large gatherings and above all stay safe during this period.” the statement reads.
