China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Managing Director Mr. Michael Yigao confirmed on Monday that the 15 Chinese medical experts are in the custody of the firm. The medics arrived in the country on April 8 and went into 14-day seclusion to ascertain their COVID-19 status.
Last Thursday, Health Minister Osagie Ehanire, told his audience that he should be spared the explanation on the whereabouts of the Chinese doctors and technicians, who he stated “are not the guests of the Federal Government”.
According to him, they are the guests of the CCECC.
However, Yigao, told reporters on Monday that the experts came into the country to share their experiences in fighting the COVID-19.
He further explained that the team came specially to help CCECC fight this pandemic and protect its employees, a report in the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) stated.
Yigao said: “The team had a telecast meeting with the Minister of Health and some doctors around the country and shared their experience in China on how they’re fighting the virus and the meeting was very positive.
“They are here with us and have continued to teach our staff how to protect themselves because protection and prevention are more important than the treatment.
“Most of the workers understand the situation now and they know the risk, so they follow the proper procedures and cooperate with their instructors.
“Right now, commercial flights to China are not open, but when flights are open again, we’re considering the team going back to China.
“In a big country like Nigeria, it can be a bit difficult to control a pandemic because you will have to make all the people of such a large country understand that it is a serious and real thing.
“I think Nigeria is taking this very seriously and you can see it in the implementation of the lockdown and the suspension of international flights etc.
“And like other companies in Nigeria, we will do whatever we can to help the country, like building treatment centres and training people on how to handle the virus.
“Upon request from the Nigerian government, we gave necessary support, like building treatment centres and at the same time delivered some health-related equipment.
“We understand the COVID-19 pandemic challenge in Nigeria because we are based here and have a lot of employees and we do believe that with efforts from the government and the people, we will win this war.
“I hope the people of Nigeria understand that we need the help of all peoples across the world to win this fight against Coronavirus.”
“CCECC is a Nigerian company based here for nearly 40 years, and most of the staff here are Nigerians, so we have a Nigerian voice.
“You can see our works at the Airport Terminals, they are one of the finest in Africa; we at CCECC will not compromise standards for any price.”
