FG Refutes Claims of COVID-19 Variant XEC in Nigeria

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has dismissed claims regarding the presence of the newly identified COVID-19 variant, XEC, in Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Saturday by Mr. Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, the ministry assured Nigerians that there is no evidence of the variant in the country. The statement urged the public to remain calm and continue practicing standard hygiene measures.

The COVID-19 variant XEC, recently detected in Australia, is noted for its increased virulence and has reportedly spread to 29 countries, sparking global concern about its potential impact on healthcare systems.

Despite these developments, the ministry reaffirmed that heightened surveillance at entry points and health facilities across Nigeria has not detected any signs of the variant.

To bolster preparedness, the federal government has equipped Federal Tertiary Hospitals with molecular laboratories, isolation centers, and intensive care units fitted with ventilators. These proactive measures aim to strengthen the country’s response to any potential outbreaks.

The ministry also addressed misinformation circulating on social media, including a purported official letter with Ref. No. DHS/INSPDIV/017/VOL.1/46 dated December 5, 2024, which falsely claimed the detection of the XEC variant. It advised Nigerians to disregard such reports and rely on updates from verified official sources.

Nigerians were further encouraged to adopt universal precautions, such as regular hand washing and maintaining good personal hygiene, to curb the spread of infectious diseases.

The ministry reiterated its commitment to protecting public health and ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services nationwide.