The Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19 has reviewed Nigeria’s International travel protocol amid the emergence of the new Omicron variant.

The PSC Chairman, Boss Mustapha, said this in a statement, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

Mr Mustapha said the revised protocol is aimed at further reducing the risk of importation and exportation of COVID-19, especially the variant of concern.

He assured Nigerians that it would continue to monitor global and specific country situations with a view to taking necessary measures to safeguard their health.

Mr Mustapha called on Nigerians to ensure that they take full doses of COVID-19 vaccines and continue to observe compliance to public health measures.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Wednesday confirmed the first case of the Omicron variant in the country.

The new variant has sparked global concerns due to fears it may spread faster and be resistant to vaccines, following its discovery in South Africa.

Omicron was first detected in Europe in Belgium on November 27.

Other European countries, including Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom have confirmed cases. Australia also reported cases on November 28.

The European Union on November 27 moved to ban travel from seven Southern African countries.

Other nations, including the U.S. and UK are adopting similar moves. Israel late Saturday went further, imposing a two week travel ban for all non-residents.

Similarly, the government of Canada has also stated that it discovered two cases of the variant from two passengers from Nigeria.

(NAN)