Nigerians React As NCDC Confirms First Case Of Omicron Variant

Nigerians have taken to social media to react to the news that the Omicron variant also known as the B.1.1.529 lineage has been detected in the country.

Naija News reports that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had announced on Wednesday that two cases of the variant were discovered in the country through genomic sequencing.

In a statement released and signed by its Director-General, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, the NCDC added that the cases were linked to two Nigerians who arrived in the country from South Africa last week.

The centre stated that the national travel advisory has also been revised by the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 and now requires all inbound travellers to Nigeria to present a negative COVID-19 test result done not more than 48hrs before departure.

According to the NCDC, pre-booking and payment for all-day 2 and day 7, COVID-19 PCR tests are prerequisites for travel.

Reacting to the news, young Nigerians on social media accused the Nigerian government of copying other countries in announcing the discovery of the new variant in the country.

They also claimed that the announcement of the first case of the Omicron variant was a way of looting the country’s treasury and embezzling funds.

Some of the comments are captured below:

@the_beardedsina said: “Nigeria has announced its first case of the Omicron variant of Covid19 virus. For a country that doesn’t observe the COVID protocols. I’d say during this festive period Public gatherings, concerts, festivals should all be limited. This is the only way we avert this rapid spread.

@HeadGheng wrote, “You dey bear PapiChulo and you’re giving we Nigerians this kinda news. These people just want to cash out and you know it.”

@iamajideabayomi said: “Well, they just found another way to “chop” our money.”

@woye1 wrote: “First case of Omicron variant detected in Nigeria. Let us wear our face masks and get vaccinated”

@Tutsy22 said, “Breaking news! NCDC has announced the detection of the Omicron COVID-19 variant in Nigeria. The variant was detected in two Nigerians, who recently returned to the country in the last few days.”

@_debbii3e wrote: “Omicron variant, Nigeria should better have sense and close borders.”

@ShehuSani wrote: “Now that two cases of #OmicronVariant have been confirmed here in Nigeria by @NCDCgov via South African passengers, serious action must be taken to prevent its spread. #Omicron”

@iSlimfit wrote: “NCDC has confirmed two cases of Omicron variant of the Covid virus in Nigeria, and you know what that means. Please be very safe out there. Mask up 😷 as often as possible. May our detty December not turn dirty.”

@WithLoveTewa said, “Hopefully they are not trying to use this as an opportunity to steal.”