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Omicron: Don’t Panic, COVID-19 Vaccines Still Effective, NCDC Tells Nigerians

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4 years ago

December 2, 2021

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The director-general of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, Ifedayo Adetifa, has advised Nigerians to dismiss what he described as speculations that vaccines have no effect on the new SARS-CoV2 variant which has been named Omicron.

He said vaccination remains “a very powerful tool to prevent transmission of the disease and death caused by this virus.”

Mr Adetifa, who spoke on Channel’s “Sunrise Daily” programme on Wednesday, said NCDC believes that even if the Omicron variant has any impact on vaccination, “it cannot be equal to full abrogation”.

“So theoretically speaking, if the vaccine was 90 per cent protective against severe disease and deaths from the Delta variant, it may become 80 per cent protective from the Omicron variant. So while we work out what kind of impact it will have on vaccine protective effect, the point remains that vaccines are effective, safe and they confer protection,” Mr Adetifa said.

According to the director-general, the centre, like other scientists across the world, does not know how dangerous the variant is, noting that investigations are still ongoing.

He said; “There are mutations that have been seen in the spike proteins that theoretically may confirm the risk of increased transmissibility, may cause more severe disease or reduced protections from existing vaccines but the reality is that we don’t know.

“What we know is that the cases currently affected by this variant have been mostly asymptomatic, they have been mostly young, and there have been no deaths. So we are still watching, we need more time to see what happens when it affects slightly different pockets of the population like the susceptible or the elderly. But for now, we don’t know much.

“What we know is that current public health safety measures and vaccination confer protection. It might not be 100 per cent but the protection they offer is useful and beneficial and people should adhere to those measures and make use of every opportunity that is currently provided especially in Nigeria to receive their vaccines..”

Mr Adetifa warned Nigerians of the possible emergence of a more dangerous variant and advised them to remain cautious by observing all non-pharmaceutical measures to ward off the danger.

He said the consequences may be bad if they throw caution to the wind.

He said the emergence of the Omicron variant is a reminder that the battle is not over, that there is still a risk.

Mr Adetifa added; “The fact that we thankfully have not seen many severe cases and deaths does not mean that we are not getting infections and does not mean that the virus has not been transmitted. What happens is that if we have unmitigated transmission of the virus within the population, you will always have a chance that a variant that may be more dangerous than the predecessor or even change the pattern of disease for us, may emerge.

“This is why we are calling on people to return and adhere to safety measures that are in place. And of course, vaccination, which is very important.”

The NCDC boss also explained that there is nothing strange about the mutation of the Omicron variant, saying all viruses mutate.

“Viruses mutate at different frequencies depending on what type of virus it is. What is new is the pathogen SARS-CoV2 which we call RNA virus. Most RNA viruses have frequent mutations. It means that in the cause of multiplying, their errors are made in every circle in their genetic code.

“While humans and some other viruses have corrective mechanisms, a lot of viruses especially the RNA virus do not have corrective mechanisms. So errors are carried on to the next generation but just a few are able to survive and go ahead to cause diseases,” Mr Adetifa said.

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Related Topics:bigstory COVID-19 Vaccine NCDC Omicron

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BIG STORY

Lagos Assembly Debunks Abuja House Rumour, Warns Against Election Season Propaganda

Published

12 hours ago

January 27, 2026

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The Lagos State House of Assembly has described as misleading and mischievous the widespread misinformation that it budgeted for the purchase of houses in Abuja for its members in the 2026 Appropriation Law.

This rebuttal is contained in a statement jointly signed by Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, and Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, Chairman, House Committee on Economic Planning and Budget.

Describing the report as a deliberate and disturbing falsehood being peddled by patently ignorant people, the statement reads, “There is no provision whatsoever in the 2026 Budget for the purchase of houses in Abuja or anywhere else for members of the Lagos State House of Assembly. The report is a complete fabrication and a product of political mischief intended to misinform the public.

“The Lagos State House of Assembly does not operate in Abuja. Our constitutional responsibilities, constituencies, and legislative duties are entirely within Lagos State. It is, therefore, illogical, irrational, and irresponsible for anyone to suggest that legislators would appropriate public funds for personal housing outside their jurisdiction.”

The statement emphasized that the budget is already in the public domain and accessible for scrutiny by discerning Lagosians and Nigerians alike. It reiterated that the Lagos State Government operates a transparent budget that speaks to the needs of the people and the demands of a megalopolis.

“We view this rumour as part of a wider attempt at election-season propaganda, designed to erode public trust, sow discord, and malign democratic institutions.”

The chairmen further clarified that the 2026 capital expenditure of the House of Assembly is less than 0.04% of the total CAPEX of the state, which clearly demonstrates the culture of prudence, accountability, and fiscal responsibility that guides the legislature. However, they noted, “Historically, the House does not even access up to its approved budget in many fiscal years.”

They stressed that the Assembly remains fully committed to excellence, transparency, good governance, and the collective welfare of the people of Lagos State, in line with the objectives of the 2026 Budget of Shared Prosperity.

“We therefore challenge those behind this harebrained allegation to produce credible evidence or retract their statements forthwith. Failure to do so may attract appropriate legal actions.

“We urge Lagosians and the general public to disregard this baseless rumour and always verify information from official and credible sources.”

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BIG STORY

Lagos Partners MTN To Redevelop Obalende Under-bridge Into Eco-Friendly Bus Park

Published

18 hours ago

January 27, 2026

PorscheClassy News

The Lagos state government has partnered with MTN Nigeria to redevelop the Obalende under-bridge into a modern transport hub to be known as Y’ELLO bus park.

Tokunbo Wahab, commissioner for environment and water resources, announced the project in an X post on Tuesday.

Wahab said the redevelopment would transform the previously degraded space into a functional, secure, and community-centered facility.

According to him, the new bus park will feature an organized and regulated transport terminal, a recycling drop-off station, a road camp for officials of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and security agencies, over 60 public toilet facilities, kiosks, and other amenities for commuters and residents.

He said the project prioritizes safety, health, and aesthetics, noting that solar-powered lighting will improve night-time visibility, enhance closed-circuit television (CCTV) coverage, and help curb criminal activities in the Obalende axis.

The commissioner added that a biodigester system will be installed to manage wastewater sustainably, while a dedicated recycling station will discourage illegal waste disposal.

Wahab said the redevelopment will also include solar panels to support energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, as well as tree planting to improve air quality and beautify the environment.

He described the project as part of the state government’s efforts to reclaim public spaces and make them functional, sustainable, and safe for residents.

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BIG STORY

JUST IN: Dangote Refinery Increases Petrol Price By N100, MRS To Sell At N839

Published

20 hours ago

January 27, 2026

PorscheClassy News

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has increased the ex-gantry price of its premium motor spirit, also known as petrol, to N799 per litre.

The price of the product was increased by N100, from N699 per litre to N799 per litre, effective on December 12, 2025.

In a statement on Tuesday, the refinery said MRS retail outlets will now sell the product at N839 per litre — up from N739 per litre.

“With the festive period concluded, PMS prices have been modestly realigned to sustainable levels to support long-term market stability and affordability,” the refinery said.

“Under the current alignment, the PMS gantry price is N799 per litre, while MRS retail outlets are selling at N839 per litre.”

The refinery reaffirmed its commitment to market stability and an uninterrupted nationwide supply of petrol.

“During the recent festive period, the Refinery implemented a deliberate and temporary price support intervention to cushion Nigerians at a time of heightened household spending,” the plant said.

Despite the price reduction, the refinery accused “many filling stations” of failing to “reflect the new price at the pump,” thereby denying Nigerians the benefits of the slash.

“As a domestic producer, Dangote Petroleum Refinery continues to shield the Nigerian market from import-related volatility and external supply disruptions, while remaining a stabilising force in the downstream petroleum sector,” the plant said.

Dangote refinery reaffirmed its commitment to providing energy security, price stability, and long-term value for Nigerians.

Speaking on the development, David Bird, chief executive officer (CEO), said the refinery is currently supplying about 50 million litres of petrol to the domestic market daily, with nationwide distribution running smoothly.

He explained that the refinery’s flexible design allows it to process different types of crude and intermediate feed stocks, making it possible to maintain petrol supply even during scheduled maintenance.

Bird added that this ensures that domestic fuel availability remains stable and uninterrupted.

“This marked the second consecutive festive season in which the Refinery absorbed significant costs in the national interest, including logistics support in 2024 and a price reduction in 2025 to promote affordability and market calm.”

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