Ensure Surveillance Is Intensified At All International Borders, Reps Instructs FMOH, Agencies 

The House of Representatives has called for the intensification of surveillance at all international borders and ports of entry through the provision of thermal machines, infrared thermometers for temperature screening, and deployment of personnel to conduct the screening and quarantine services on all inbound passengers into the country.

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They also urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to sensitize the public on the XEC variant.

They also urged all health authorities to activate heightened alert systems in monitoring and consequently reporting any suspected cases.

The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion on the Urgent Need To Intensify Preventive Measures Against The Xec Covid-19 Variant, To Avoid Another Wave Of The Deadly Coronavirus In Nigeria, moved by Mr. Unyime Idem.

Leading the debate on the motion, Mr. Idem said that the that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on global public health and economies, including Nigeria.

” Though it is notable that Nigeria made significant strides in combating the first strain of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a need to remain vigilant and proactive in the face of emerging threats.

“Aware that the World Health Organization (WHO) has recently issued a global alert regarding a new COVID-19 variant, XEC, with similar symptoms to the former strain. The XEC variant, a hybrid strain of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron, has been detected in several countries worldwide, including those with high vaccination rates.

“Also aware that as of September 24, 2024, the WHO designated the XEC as a variant under monitoring, and initial experimental data suggests that this COVID variant exhibited increased infectiousness and unique changes that may contribute to relatively higher immune evasion.

“Worried that the XEC COVID-19 variant was first detected in May, 2024, and has reportedly spread across 43 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany and 

” Denmark, infecting more than 600 people. The XEC variant is expected to continue spreading globally, with a potential increase in cases during the winter season.

” Deeply worried that the emergence of the XEC COVID-19 variant in Africa poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s public health. The recent detection of an index case in Botswana, involving a hospitalized European traveler, raises concerns about the potential spread of the variant across the continent. Furthermore, the limited testing and sequencing capabilities in Africa make it challenging to determine the extent of the variant’s spread, leaving Nigeria vulnerable to a potential outbreak.

” Cognizant that the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has urged health authorities to activate heightened alert systems in response to this XEC COVID-19 variant that is rapidly spreading across the globe, and has consequently tried averting public panic.

” Concerned that the XEC variant, a highly transmissible strain of COVID-19, poses a significant concern, and to mitigate its spread, Nigeria must promptly assess the variant’s potential impact and implement effective countermeasures. The festive season, with its high influx of travelers, adds urgency to this effort, requiring Nigeria to be proactive in protecting its citizens and preventing the spread of the XEC variant’. The motion said.

The House mandated the House Committees on Healthcare Services, Specialty Healthcare, and Health Institutions to ensure compliance.

It also urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and other relevant agencies to be at alert.