FG denies detection of new COVID variant in Nigeria

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has confirmed that there is no evidence of the recently identified COVID-19 variant XEC in Nigeria.

In a statement shared with journalists in Abuja on Saturday, Mr. Alaba Balogun, the ministry’s deputy director of Information and Public Relations, urged Nigerians to remain calm and continue practicing standard hygiene measures.

The XEC variant, known for its heightened virulence compared to other strains, was recently reported in Australia and has now been detected in 29 countries. This development has fueled concerns about its potential impact on global healthcare systems.

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The ministry emphasized that extensive surveillance at the nation’s borders and healthcare facilities has not identified the presence of the variant in the country.

As part of preventive strategies, the federal government has enhanced the capacity of Federal Tertiary Hospitals by establishing molecular laboratories, isolation centers, and intensive care units equipped with ventilators. These facilities are part of measures to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness for potential outbreaks, according to the statement.

The ministry also addressed the spread of misinformation, specifically referencing a letter dated December 5, 2024, with Ref. No. DHS/INSPDIV/017/VOL.1/46, which falsely claimed the detection of XEC in Nigeria. Nigerians were urged to disregard such reports and instead rely on verified information from official sources.

Citizens were reminded to follow essential preventive practices, including regular handwashing and good personal hygiene, to help reduce the risk of disease transmission.

The ministry reassured the public of its dedication to protecting public health and maintaining uninterrupted healthcare services.