SAHCO Strengthens NDLEA’s Healthcare Services with Donation of Medical Equipment at Lagos Airport
The Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) PLC has reinforced its commitment to supporting the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) by donating essential medical equipment to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command.
The initiative is aimed at bolstering the agency’s healthcare services, particularly for its personnel and drug suspects requiring urgent medical attention.
At the presentation ceremony, Mrs Boma Ukwunna, Executive Director, Cargo Services, who represented SAHCO’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Adenike Aboderin, commended the NDLEA for its relentless efforts in tackling drug-related offences, especially within SAHCO’s cargo handling facilities.
She reaffirmed SAHCO’s dedication to collaborating with the agency in its mission to rid Nigeria’s aviation sector of illicit drug activities.
“We recognise the devastating impact of drug trafficking and abuse on society, particularly on our youth. The NDLEA has been proactive in ensuring our cargo warehouses remain drug-free, deploying additional personnel to strengthen surveillance. This donation is a token of our unwavering support for the agency’s operations,” Ukwunna stated.
She also highlighted that the Managing Director, being both a mother and a concerned citizen, has personally engaged with the NDLEA to identify areas where SAHCO can provide further assistance.
“This contribution is just a small way of demonstrating our support for the critical work you do. We stand firmly behind you in this fight against drug trafficking,” she added.
In his response, Usman Ali Wadar, Commander of the NDLEA’s MMIA Strategic Command, expressed profound gratitude to SAHCO for its generosity, emphasising the significant role the donated equipment will play in enhancing the command’s medical facilities.
“We have received remarkable support from various organisations, and SAHCO has been particularly outstanding. The establishment of our clinic was born out of the necessity to provide medical care for drug suspects under observation, as some arrive in critical condition after ingesting illicit substances. This facility is not only for our officers and detainees but is also accessible to personnel from other agencies within the airport,” Wadar explained.
Addressing the growing challenge of drug abuse in Nigeria, he recalled alarming statistics, stating:
“In 2018, over 14 million Nigerians tested positive for drug use. Since I assumed office, we have taken decisive steps to curb this menace. In 2022, we successfully reduced drug seizures at Lagos airport from 23 tonnes to seven tonnes, a significant achievement in our fight against drug trafficking.”
He further underscored the importance of the clinic, citing a case where a suspect arrested under his command required immediate medical intervention due to dangerously high blood sugar levels.
“Without prompt medical attention, that suspect’s life could have been at risk. The availability of medical facilities ensures that suspects receive necessary care while in custody,” he noted.
Wadar assured that the donated equipment would be put to optimal use and extended heartfelt appreciation to SAHCO’s management and staff for their continued support.
The medical equipment donated by SAHCO includes: Automated haematology analyser, Incubator, Centrifuge machine, Weighing scale, Poison box, Sphygmomanometer, Lipid profile meter and Ambu bags.
This initiative underscores SAHCO’s unwavering commitment to corporate social responsibility, reinforcing its dedication to supporting security agencies in ensuring safety, health, and law enforcement within Nigeria’s aviation industry.
