The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has pledged to implement stronger and more effective measures to reduce snakebite-related deaths across the territory.
The commitment was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, following the death of Ms. Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene, who reportedly died from neurotoxic complications arising from a snakebite.
Dr. Fasawe expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family, describing the incident as tragic and preventable.
“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 largely preventable public health emergency, noting that snakes are commonly found in rainforests, grasslands, farms and semi-arid areas, often close to human settlements.
According to her, Nigeria is home to highly venomous species such as cobras, vipers and puff adders, stressing that all snakebites should be treated as venomous until proven otherwise.
Dr. Fasawe advised residents to take preventive steps, including wearing protective clothing while farming or walking through tall grass, avoiding dark areas at night or using flashlights, clearing debris around homes, sealing entry points, and refraining from handling snakes.
She also outlined proper first-aid measures in the event of a snakebite, urging victims to remain calm, immobilise the affected limb below heart level, remove tight clothing or accessories, gently clean the wound, and proceed immediately to a hospital with antivenom. She cautioned against harmful practices such as cutting or sucking the wound, applying tourniquets or ice, and relying on herbal remedies.
The Mandate Secretary assured residents that antivenoms are readily available in FCTA-owned hospitals and public health facilities.
“Polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms are maintained, centrally stored at the FCTA-owned Abuja Central Medical Stores, and directly managed by the Secretariat to ensure quality, cold-chain integrity, and availability,” she said.
She emphasised that early medical intervention is critical, noting that while antivenom is most effective when administered promptly, recovery is not guaranteed once neurotoxic symptoms have developed, making rapid evacuation essential.
To improve emergency response, Dr. Fasawe disclosed that the FCTA has expanded road networks and recently procured 12 ambulances equipped for emergency care. She added that hospitals provide antivenom administration, immobilisation, monitoring for adverse reactions, and supportive treatment, while tertiary facilities offer intensive care services, including airway management, coagulation monitoring and blood transfusions.
She further warned that all public and private healthcare facilities must strictly adhere to approved clinical protocols, adding that monitoring and enforcement would be intensified.
“Facilities found negligent will face sanctions,” she said.
Residents were advised to contact the FCT Emergency Medical System and Ambulance Services on 090157892931 or 090157892932 in emergency situations.
The FCTA reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening emergency response systems, enforcing quality healthcare standards, and safeguarding the lives of residents of the Federal Capital Territory.