By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Government of Germany in collaboration with the European Union and GIZ, a German development agency has donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) worth over Ten Million Naira to the Nigerian Customs.
Making the presentation at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, the First Secretary, German Embassy in Nigeria, Bernt-Michael Gelpke said the donation was part of their contribution in curtailing the Covid-19 pandemic ravaging the world.
He said it is an effort targeted towards assisting Nigeria in protecting the frontline officers of Nigeria Customs and Police who are always in contact with humans coming in and going out of the country.
He is hopeful that the materials will play a key role in protecting the officers in the line of duty.
Receiving the materials on behalf of the Customs, the Deputy Comptroller General in charge of Human Resources, Mr Abdullahi Babani said the donation had come at the right time because of the need to protect officers on the frontline.
He said Germany and the Nigerian Customs have established a long standing relationship.
Human management needs collaboration. Encourage GIZ for collaboration on efficient and effective border management for the enhancement of trade.
The ECOWAS Commissioner of Trade, Customs Union and Free Movement of persons, Lonzo Tei who spoke through an interpreter said the importance of the donation attracted his attention as it will facilitate effective manning of borders.
Since 2007, the German Government through its partner GIZ has been implementing the African Union Border Programme.
Items presented include 8,700 face masks made with cotton fabrics, 16,600 disposable latex hand gloves and 150,000 milliliters of hand sanitizers.
