We implemented measures for safety of personnel in our facilities – Agip

ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited (“NAOC”)  says it has implemented far reaching measures to ensure safety of personnel and facilities in its operating and field locations from the spread of COVID-19,  following World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and international best practices.

In a statement signed by Folu  Olapade, the company said it implemented the measures prior to the lockdown declared by the Federal Government in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun States.

Prior to the index case in Nigeria and weeks before the Federal or State governments started declaring lockdowns and movement restrictions,  NAOC said it had already implemented smart working and “quarantine/isolation at home” with its personnel whereby most of the personnel were directed to stay at home to curb the spread of the COVID-19 spread, adding that sensitization and awareness campaigns on prevention of COVID-19 commenced long before the first case in Nigeria.

“Crew change, which is necessary to allow personnel take rest and be with their loved ones, were carefully planned to observe all the measures prescribed by all the relevant agencies of government. 

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“Consequently, NAOC also implemented the new crew change of 28 days as advised by DPR and ensured that its personnel observe the thoroughly documented measures including the mandatory 14 days prior to resumption in the operating locations in line with the DPR guide”, Agip said.

According to the company, in addition to the mandatory isolation, rigorous medical screening is performed before any personnel is allowed to resume in the locations at exit and entry points, adding that all resuming personnel wear appropriate personal protective equipment (including face masks, gloves, etc.) and observe all the necessary measures recommended by the NAOC medical personnel which are in line with WHO, NCDC guidelines.

NAOC said that  crew  move to Brass  either by chopper or boats after fulfilling all health and safety requirements.

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“Our personnel are our most important assets and we will never embark on any activity if all health and safety standards have not been met .

“As at today, our request for approval to fly chopper to remote locations within Rivers State have not been clearly granted and as a law abiding company we continue to operate within the available permits”, the company said.

He explained that  the oil and gas union remains one of the strongest in the industry and that the company engages continuously on the issue of prevention of COVID-19 and all other relevant operating challenges at this time.

“As a responsible Corporate citizen, we are supporting the country’s initiatives to prevent the spread of the virus as well as save lives of the people”, Agip said, adding that false and unverified claims on how the Company is conducting its operations are not only irresponsible  but create confusion, tension and instability in a moment in which all should all unite efforts to fight the pandemic.

“We denounce any malicious publications against our company at this difficult moment and we expressly reserve the right to prosecute whoever disseminates false information about the company’s activities”, he said.