By Adeyinka Aderibigbe
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) is undertaking extensive decontamination/disinfection of Railway facilities, office premises, workshops, station building and residences/quarters within the Railway Headquarters Compound in Lagos.
The NRC Managing Director Fidet Okhiria who disclosed this to newsmen at the weekend said the management embarked on the exercise as part of its efforts to mitigate the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
“As we all know, Lagos State is the worst hit by COVID-19 in Nigeria from statistics available till date, hence the quick intervention of the NRC Management, engaging services of environmental health professionals, in collaboration with the Environmental Health Department of the Lagos Mainland Local Government, to drive the process of active and targeted decontamination. This process is at the instance of the NRC Management and commitment backed by resources to facilitate the logistics, manpower, potent decontaminants and the entire project delivery.”
Okhiria who was represented by the Director of Operations Mr Niyi Alli, said the exercise began on Saturday, and would continue till every place mapped is covered.
Apart from quarters in Ebute Metta, the disinfection effort will cover quarters at Tejuosho, Rotimi, Mushin, Ikeja and Apapa.
“The NRC Management will continue to play her role as a responsible and proactive organisation committed to public safety especially during this critical pandemic period in the life of our nation and of the world at large.
“NRC wishes every member of staff and other stakeholders within the Railway facilities safe stay at home.”
He said the fumigation of wagons and coaches would take place when the corporation start operation.
He disclosed that the decontamination of other Abuja and districts of the Corporation would follow suit after the headquarters and the Lagos district offices and quarters have been covered by the disinfection exercise.