The near-simultaneous detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants from the four corners of the globe deepens our uncertainty regarding the pandemic's future and our ability to control Covid-19. How serious the problem will be will depend on how many different variants there are, how they differ from one another, how capable they are of reinfecting people, and resisting current and future vaccines. 
In this context, here we describe the newfound Nigerian variant (B.1.525). The Nigerian isolates carry mutations mirroring those seen in previous variants and some unique to their structure. 
B.1.525 was first detected by genome sequence in mid-December in Nigeria but was also quickly found in cases in the United Kingdom, France, and elsewhere. After only two months, B.1.525 represented over 20% of genomes sequenced in Nigeria. It has been detected in more than 200 cases globally. 
The mutation of B.1.525 may increase transmissibility, virulence, and immune escape. The amino acid substitutions Q52R and A67V are located in the spike protein's N-terminal domain, as are the deletions at positions 69-70 and 144. (See figure). The two point mutations are unique to the B.1.525. Both deletions are characteristics of the UK variant B.1.1.7. The deletion of 69-70 is also found in several naturally occurring variants. No specific function is as yet assigned to the N-terminal domain. Many mutations (and even multiple deletions) in this region are not deleterious to either the transmission, replication, or virulence. The N-terminal domain is highly antigenic. The primary effect of mutations in this region is likely neutralization escape. 
The amino acid substitution at position 888 is in the membrane-proximal stem region of the spike protein, nearby a similar change at position 870 found in a neutralization escape variant isolated from a person with persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Among the point mutations and deletions in the spike protein, B.1.525 carries several ubiquitous in SARS-CoV-2 variants today. D614G confers increased transmissibility and is present in nearly all SARS-CoV-2 variants at this stage. The mutation E484K is also present in the South African and Brazilian strains. Amino acid 484 is located in the receptor-binding motif. The E484K change confers approximately three-fold resistance to several Covid vaccines and tenfold resistance to most convalescent antibodies. 
The amino acid substitution at position 677 ( Q677H) is identical to that found in variants recently described in the United States. These mutations occur in the S1 portion of the spike protein found far from the receptor-binding domain. Like the D614G mutation (also present in the Nigerian variant), the change at position 677 may increase the stability of the S1-S2 association and thereby increase transmissibility. The 677 mutations may also favor the open rather than closed conjugation of the receptor-binding domain. 
The variants of the virus are becoming more and more diversified. When the variants become more complex, this is indeed a big test for the vaccine, so come on!