Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited (NAOC) is ensuring safety of personnel and facilities in its locations.
According to the spokesman, Folu Olapade, prior to the lockdown declared by the Federal Government in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun states, the oil giant took measures to protect its personnel and facilities from the spread of COVID-19 in tandem with the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines and international best practices.
Prior to the index case in Nigeria and weeks before the federal or state governments ordered lockdowns and movement restrictions, Agip had directed most of its personnel to stay at home.
The oil company put in place a Crew change, which allows workers to observe the measures prescribed by the government agencies.
Consequently, NAOC also implemented the new crew change of 28 days as advised by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and ensured that its personnel observe the measures, including the 14 days prior to resumption in line with the DPR guidelines.
Also, workers must undergo medical screening before they resume; wear face masks and gloves, and observe the measures recommended by the company’s medical personnel, in line with WHO and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) guidelines.
Olopade said: “Our crew change to Brass is usually by chopper and or boats after fulfilling all health and safety requirements. 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.
“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.
“Our union is one of the strongest in the industry and we engage continuously on the issue of prevention of COVID-19 and all other relevant operating challenges at this time.