The Federal Government of Nigeria has come out to deny the detection of the COVID-19 XEC variant in the country. According to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, a leaked letter addressing the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors was merely precautionary and not meant to cause panic.

The Ministry confirmed that the XEC COVID-19 variant has been detected in 29 countries, and with the festive season approaching, hospitals need to be on high alert to prevent the spread of the variant.

To ensure preparedness, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has urged health authorities to activate heightened alert systems across hospitals and maintain a high index of suspicion for patients with COVID-like symptoms.

The Ministry has also reassured Nigerians that there is currently no evidence of the XEC variant in the country, and citizens should remain calm and continue adhering to personal hygiene practices.