The Federal Capital Territory Administration has reassured residents that antivenom supplies are fully available across all FCTA-owned hospitals and public health centres following public concerns that trailed the death of singer Ifunanya Nwangene on Saturday.
The incident sparked outrage online and allegations of medical negligence, prompting the FCTA to clarify that treatment for snakebites is not in short supply within the territory.
In a statement issued late Monday, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, urged residents to remain calm, maintaining that the FCT has adequate stock of both polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms.
“Different forms and types of anti-snake venom are widely available across FCTA-owned hospitals and public health facilities,” Fasawe said.
She added, “Stocking decisions are guided by collaboration with veterinary doctors, who help identify the most common snake species in the FCT.
Accordingly, polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms are centrally stored in Abuja Central Medical Stores and managed directly by the Secretariat to ensure quality, cold-chain integrity, and availability.”
Her statement followed claims that Nwangene was unable to access antivenom when rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi. FMC management, however, denied the allegation, stating that its medical team responded promptly and provided appropriate care upon her arrival.
The hospital explained that the singer presented with severe complications linked to the bite. According to FMC, efforts were made to stabilise her and prepare her for transfer to intensive care when her condition suddenly worsened.
The hospital said medical personnel attempted life-saving measures but were unsuccessful.
Offering condolences, Fasawe described the incident as painful, urging residents to strengthen their emergency preparedness.
“The loss of a promising young life is deeply painful and distressing. I share in the family’s grief and reaffirm that such medically preventable deaths must be taken seriously, with strengthened measures to prevent recurrence,” she said.
She warned that snakebites remain a public health concern in Abuja, noting that venomous species are present in both urban and peri-urban communities.
“Snakebites remain a largely preventable public health emergency. In Nigeria, highly venomous species such as cobras, vipers, and puff adders are present.
As a rule, all snakebites must be treated as venomous until proven otherwise,” she explained.
Fasawe advised residents to adopt preventive measures such as wearing protective clothing around bushes, using flashlights at night, clearing bushy areas around homes, and avoiding contact with snakes.
“In the event of a bite, residents should stay calm, avoid harmful practices, and proceed immediately to a hospital equipped with antivenom,” she said.
She emphasised that outdated and risky first-aid practices must be avoided, warning that improper handling of snakebite cases can worsen outcomes.
Highlighting the FCTA’s effort to strengthen emergency response, she said, “To reduce response times, the FCTA has expanded road networks and procured 12 ambulances equipped for emergencies. Tertiary care, including ICU support and monitoring, is available across FCT hospitals.”
She also cautioned that both public and private hospitals will face sanctions if found to violate emergency care protocols.
“I want to reiterate that all healthcare facilities, public and private, must adhere strictly to approved clinical protocols. Monitoring and enforcement will be intensified,” she said.
Residents were urged to rely only on official emergency lines: “For emergencies, residents should contact FCT.
Emergency Medical System and Ambulance Services Numbers – 090157892931, 090157892932.”
According to Fasawe, the FCTA remains committed to strengthening medical response systems, enforcing quality standards, and safeguarding all residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
