Nigeria confirms first cases of Omicron variant

The Nigeria Center for Disease Control on Wednesday confirmed the first cases of the Omicron variant from three travelers who arrived in the country from South Africa last week.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Nigeria CDC said more cases are likely to be detected, noting Omicron is already widespread globally judging from the increasing number of countries that are reporting the variant.

"Our focus is to complete sequencing of recently accrued samples of COVID-19 positive travelers from all countries, especially those from countries that have already reported the Omicron variant," said Ifedayo Adetifa, the Nigeria CDC director-general.

Adetifa said the Federal Ministry of Health intensified public health response measures to COVID-19 in the country immediately after the emergence of the Omicron variant was reported.

He appealed to Nigerians to adhere strictly to travel protocols and other public safety measures to protect themselves, families, friends and the community at large, as well as to prevent a fourth wave of COVID-19 in the country.

"Given the risk of increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant, it is essential to curb community transmission," Adetifa said.

"The Nigeria CDC recommends states ensure sample collection and testing remain widely accessible, so people who have symptoms or have been exposed to a positive case get tested quickly in healthcare and other settings."

He called on states across the country to effectively implement ongoing mass vaccination campaigns and encouraged citizens to get vaccinated.