Buhari receives South African Ramaphosa amid concerns over Omicron virus

Buhari receives South African Ramaphosa amid concerns over Omicron virus

By: Our Reporter

President Muhammadu Buhari has received his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa at the State House in Abuja.

The South African President who is accompanied by a delegation of ministers and business leaders is on a state visit expected to reinforce South Africa’s bilateral relations with Nigeria as well as strengthen partnerships directed at African development and cooperation in multilateral forums.

Ramaphosa’s four-nation visit to the West Africa region, which also looks to advance trade and investment between the two countries, coincides with the 10th Session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission.

The South African President arrived in the country last night and had a private dinner with the President at the State House.

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Ramaphosa’s visit to President Buhari is coming hours after the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) confirmed the first three cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in Nigeria, saying they are linked to passengers from South Africa.

Although the NCDC had claimed this is the first case of Omicron virus in the country which was dictated some weeks ago, some Nigerians argue that the virus may not be the first but probably undictated.

“Many foreigners, especially from South Africa, have been trooping to Nigeria since the ban on travel was lifted. There are several South African companies operating in Nigeria, so just like the first case of COVID-19, this virus might have been here a while now. ” A staff of the NCDC said, ” But what we have on record is the announcement made by the DG which is official.” He added

Buhari receives South African Ramaphosa amid concerns over Omicron virus