Managing Director of Nigeria LNG, Mr. Tony Atta, yesterday (Tuesday) shared with host Governor, Barrister Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, some of the interventions made by the company against the spread of Coronavirus in Bonny Island bade since the onset of the pandemic in the country.

While thanking the Governor for the opportunity to be part of deliberate discussions to contain the outbreak on the Island. He said: “As a company, we triggered critical preventive measures in our operations very early and promptly initiated engagements with relevant Rivers State and Bonny Local Government authorities,” adding, “The objective was to proactively identify urgent intervention programmes to ensure the safety of all lives on Bonny Island.

According to Attah, “The outcome of these engagements brought Nigeria LNG to the forefront of implementing interventions in the Kingdom and included: Food palliatives for the community to alleviate hardship in the midst of restrictions on movement and business activities

“Establishment of a well-equipped ten-bed Holding Centre for Covid-19 patients at the Bonny Zonal Hospital to accommodate a potential outbreak and need for isolation. This facility is presently being upgraded to a Treatment Centre on the advice of Rivers State Government. Sundry donations of medical equipment and PPEs to Bonny Zonal Hospital.

“Strategic and tactical support to Bonny Local Government Council on enlightenment and risk communication against Covid-19 in the Kingdom. Donation of vehicles and sundry medical equipment was also made to Rivers State as well as a pledge of US$1Million to support Rivers State University Teaching Hospital in the fight against Covid-18.

“We acknowledge that our interventions will not solve all the problems of this public health crisis. However, it signifies Nigeria LNG’s determination to support the State and in particular, the people of Bonny Kingdom,” he added.

The LNG Boss thanked the government for its efforts in fighting the virus while also offering suggestions on how to get things going. “I must start by offering the good wishes of the Nigeria LNG family and our sincere appreciation for the tremendous efforts of the Government of Rivers State, under your astute leadership, in fighting the onslaught of the Coronavirus pandemic in the State. It has involved saving lives, keeping essential services available and ensuring that hope is kept alive.

“It is clear that in these extra-ordinary times, a collective resolve to collaborate, solve problems and make sacrifices is warranted. May I state, unequivocally, our readiness to partner with your government as it deals with the enormous responsibility of preserving lives and ultimately livelihoods in Rivers State, including the Bonny Kingdom.

“Government Mandate to Support/Joint Effort: It is apparent more needs to be done. Bonny Island as one of the most unique energy corridors in the world, must be spared the ravages of the crisis. Its people are too precious; its strategic importance to Nigeria, indisputable.

Your Excellency, no doubt, for as long as the COVID-19 Pandemic remains pervasive in our environment, there will continue to be need for additional medical supplies, equipment, personnel, catering, training, contact tracing and more. The financial effort will be significant but with due collaboration between government and private enterprise, much more can be achieved in the containment drive as no private enterprise can go it alone. Similarly, the associated logistic support for the intervention, such as periodic movement of drugs and personnel from the mainland, will be essential but we are assured that all enablers will be provided by government as required.

“Previous Health Initiatives: Interestingly, well ahead of this pandemic, Nigeria LNG had commenced plans to strengthen health care delivery in Bonny Kingdom and the State. These plans included the: Bonny Comprehensive Health Insurance Programme: Bringing health care to the reach of those who cannot ordinarily afford it. The scheme now has over 1400 subscribers.

“Bonny Malaria Elimination Programme which currently in its pre-elimination phase, and which will afford Bonny the status of the first Malaria/mosquito free city in Nigeria, if not in West Africa.

“T7 EPC - CONTRACT SIGNED: As a testament to our proactive and effective operational strategy to survive the challenges brought by the pandemic, Nigeria LNG, on the 13th of May, 2020, signed and awarded the Contract for Train 7 Engineering, Procurement and Construction. This was an epic accomplishment for us and for the State, as this project will continue to drive the economy of the good people of Bonny and Rivers State in general. May I remind us of the enormous benefits Train 7 will bring, namely:

“Employment and Income Opportunities: Construction Personnel and Labour: At peak of construction, over 12,000 jobs will be available on Bonny Island for Rivers State indigenes and other Nigerians. Contracts, Fabrications and Supplies: Several companies and businesses situated in Rivers State such as fabrication yards, construction companies, equipment suppliers etc. will be engaged and generate significant returns for respective tax authorities.

“Small Scale Businesses: Train 7’s multiplier effect will stimulate individual purchases in shops and markets and for other services; greatly impacting the small scale businesses and the economy of Rivers State.

“Specific Nigerian Content Regulation impacts. Trainings: Human Capacity Development targets are being agreed with NCDMB to ensure Nigerians benefit from on-the job training and personnel re-training events.

“Research and Development Initiatives: University of Port Harcourt has been selected as a Centre of LNG Excellence where students will receive the required training on LNG production technologies as monitored by NCDMB.

“Phased Construction: We are currently developing modalities to progress work on Train 7 in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. Its construction is being phased to ensure a safe mobilization to site.

“BONNY BODO ROAD: Your Excellency, it is timely that I share an update on Nigeria LNG’s biggest CSR project; the Bonny Bodo Road, a 38km stretch of road with 3 major bridges (Afa, Opobo and Nanabie) and 10 mini bridges. NLNG presently funds 50% of this endeavor . . . The COVID-19 situation has impacted work progress, resulting in main construction sites in Bodo and Bonny remaining closed since March 2020. However, dredging and bush clearing works, requiring minimal physical contact, continue.

“This project has been identified as one of the critical FGN infrastructure projects. Plans are on for the Contractor to resume works fully at Bodo and Bonny sites under a revised COVID-19 Protocol, ensuring safety of personnel and continued sources of livelihood to the youths from these communities.

“We thank the Rivers State Government for the ensuing peaceful cooperation from all communities along the Road Right of Way leading to minimal disruption of work.

“CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE– COMMISSIONNG CEREMONY: Your Excellency, Covid-19 has also caused the delay of the formal commissioning of our new Corporate Head Office at Eastern By-Pass here in Port Harcourt. Our plan had been to host the event early this year. We shall hold the commissioning of this impressive edifice as soon as practically possible.

“OUTSTANDING REQUESTS: We continue to express our gratitude for the unfettered support that your government provides our critical company activities. Very recently, we presented a request for movements of our essential personnel (in full compliance with isolation protocols) to support operations at our Bonny plant complex. We look forward to its due consideration and approval as we have enjoyed with all our prior requests to date.

• L-R Eyono Fatayi-Williams, GM, External Relations & Sustainable Development, NLNG; Tony Attah, NLNG MD/CEO; and Sophia Horsfall, Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, NLNG during a visit to His Excellency, Chief (Barrister) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (CON), Executive Governor of Rivers State yesterday.