The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has assured residents of Abuja that anti-snake venom is fully stocked and readily available across all FCTA-owned hospitals and public health centres, urging the public not to panic amid heightened concerns over snakebite treatment in the capital.
The assurance comes days after the death of an upcoming singer, Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene, an incident that triggered widespread public outrage and allegations of medical negligence. Reports indicated that the singer had visited two hospitals within the FCT in search of anti-venom but was allegedly turned away after being told the facilities did not have the required medication.
In a statement, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, said the territory maintains adequate supplies of both polyvalent and multivalent anti-snake venoms, all kept under strict quality control measures.
Fasawe explained that different forms and types of anti-snake venom are widely available across FCTA-owned hospitals and public health facilities, noting that stocking decisions are guided by collaboration with veterinary doctors who help identify the most common venomous snake species in the FCT.
“Accordingly, polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms are centrally stored at FCTA-owned Abuja Central Medical Stores and directly managed by the Secretariat to ensure quality, cold-chain integrity, and constant availability,” she said.
While condoling with the family of the late singer, the Mandate Secretary described the incident as deeply painful and said it must serve as a turning point for improved emergency preparedness and public awareness.
“The loss of a promising young life is deeply distressing. Such medically preventable deaths must be taken seriously, with strengthened measures to prevent recurrence,” Fasawe stated.
She described snakebites as a largely preventable public health emergency, warning that venomous species such as cobras, vipers, and puff adders are present across the FCT’s expanding urban and peri-urban areas.
“Snakes inhabit rainforests, grasslands, farms, and semi-arid areas, and often hide near human dwellings in search of food or shelter, leading to increased human-snake encounters. As a rule, all snakebites must be treated as venomous until proven otherwise,” she warned.
The FCTA also issued a step-by-step advisory on immediate actions to take after a snakebite. Residents were urged to adopt preventive measures such as wearing protective clothing on farms or in tall grass, using flashlights at night, clearing debris around homes, sealing entry points, and avoiding any attempt to handle snakes.
In the event of a bite, Fasawe advised residents to remain calm, immobilise the affected limb below heart level, remove constrictive items, gently clean the wound, and proceed immediately to a hospital with anti-venom. She strongly warned against harmful practices such as cutting or sucking the wound, applying tourniquets, ice, or herbal remedies.
“Timely presentation to a hospital remains the single most critical factor for survival. While anti-venom is most effective when administered early, it does not guarantee recovery where severe neurotoxic symptoms have already developed, underscoring the need for rapid evacuation,” she said.
Fasawe further highlighted the FCTA’s investments in emergency response, including the deployment of 12 newly procured ambulances, expanded road networks, and strengthened hospital capacity for intensive care, airway management, coagulation monitoring, and blood transfusion services.
She warned that both public and private healthcare facilities would face sanctions for violating approved emergency and clinical protocols, stressing that monitoring and enforcement would be intensified.
The FCTA urged residents to rely on official emergency numbers for urgent medical assistance, directing calls to the FCT Emergency Medical System and Ambulance Services via 090157892931 and 090157892932.
“The FCTA remains resolute in strengthening emergency systems, enforcing quality healthcare standards, and protecting the lives of all residents of the Federal Capital Territory,” Fasawe said.
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