First COVID-19 Case Confirmed in Nigeria After Six Years

By Tgnews Reporter

Nigerian health authorities have confirmed a fresh case of COVID-19 in Cross River State, marking the state’s first officially recorded infection since 2022.

The case involves a 53-year-old Chinese national working with Lafarge in Akamkpa Local Government Area. He arrived in Nigeria from China on March 17, 2026, and reportedly developed symptoms on April 10 — well beyond the typical 2–14-day incubation period for the virus.

Announcing the development at a news conference in Calabar on Tuesday, April 21, Dr. Henry Ayuk, Cross River State Commissioner for Health, said the patient initially received care at his company’s medical facility before his condition worsened, prompting transfer to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).

Samples were collected at UCTH following standard protocols, and laboratory tests confirmed the presence of COVID-19. Dr. Ayuk reassured the public that the patient “is doing well” and is responding to treatment.

“We are determined that for every ailment, every disease or outbreak identified here in the state, there should be no alarm,” Dr. Ayuk stated. He added that the state ministry of health has been repositioned under the current administration to effectively manage any epidemic or disease outbreak.

The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Inyang Ekpenyong, confirmed that the state emergency response unit has been activated. Contact tracing and line listing of individuals who may have come into contact with the patient are currently underway. Rapid response teams have also been deployed to Akamkpa.

Dr. Ekpenyong noted concerns that the infection may have been contracted locally in Nigeria, given the timeline. “There is no way we can stop this disease, but we can stop the disease outbreak,” she said, emphasizing that proper containment measures would prevent deaths.

Dr. Yewande Olatunde, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Coordinator in Cross River, reminded residents that COVID-19 remains in circulation globally and urged strict adherence to preventive measures.

Health officials stressed that there is no cause for panic, assuring that all necessary surveillance, containment, and response protocols are being followed diligently.

This isolated case comes amid global awareness that COVID-19 continues to circulate, even as most countries have transitioned to managing it as an endemic respiratory illness.

Authorities in Cross River have called on residents to remain vigilant, maintain good hygiene practices, and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing appear.

Further updates will be provided as contact tracing progresses and more information becomes available.