The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja, has said it could not save Abuja-based singer Ifunanya Nwangene, popularly known as Nanyah, following a deadly snakebite due to her late presentation for urgent medical care.
Saad Ahmed, chief medical director of FMC, Jabi, spoke on Saturday during the Senate Committee on Health’s 2026 budget defence session.
He explained that Nwangene, 26, arrived at the hospital more than two hours after suffering a cobra bite at her residence—a delay that allowed the venom to cause systemic damage.
“First, I want to extend my condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, but I would say this is a case of a cobra,” Ahmed said.
“Cobra is the most poisonous snake that we know, and time is of essence from when one gets bitten to when care is accessed. She presented over two hours after the bite, and by that time, systemic envenomation had already set in.”
Ahmed also refuted social media claims that the hospital failed to administer anti-venom. “Two doses were promptly given. If she had presented within 10 to 15 minutes, the anti-venom would have been most effective, but she came over two hours after the incident,” he stated.
The CMD described the incident as a wake-up call for hospitals nationwide regarding preparedness for medical emergencies.
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“But for FMC Abuja, we had anti-snake venom in stock, our emergency services are top-notch, and our staff were fully on ground,” he said.
Ahmed also called for the expansion of Nigeria’s centralised housemanship system to include state and private hospitals.
He argued that the limited number of housemanship slots in federal hospitals could be alleviated by broader participation, allowing newly graduated doctors more hands-on experience before NYSC service.
“Housemanship is a period where young graduates in medicine go and learn hands-on,” he explained. “The quota allocated is limited, based on the number of beds, specialists, and facilities. If state governments can key into this centralised system, it’s going to help a great deal.”
FMC had previously rejected claims that negligence contributed to Nwangene’s death. Following her passing on February 3, the Senate urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and state governments to establish coordinated emergency referral and response systems linking public and private hospitals to improve access to life-saving treatment during medical emergencies.
Experts say the tragedy highlights broader challenges in Nigeria’s emergency healthcare infrastructure. Dr. Chinedu Eze, an emergency medicine specialist, noted, “Snakebites and other acute medical emergencies require rapid response. Delays—even of minutes—can mean the difference between life and death. While FMC Abuja acted appropriately, the lack of robust, coordinated emergency systems across the country remains a serious concern.”