The Senate has directed the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to develop and enforce national guidelines mandating minimum stock levels of essential antidotes and emergency medicines in both public and private hospitals across Nigeria.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Idiat Adebule (APC, Lagos West), who warned that the growing incidence of medical emergencies, including snakebites, scorpion stings, poisoning, drug overdoses, and other forms of envenomation, requires stronger national preparedness.
Lawmakers raised concerns over the recent death of Abuja-based singer Ifunanya “Nanyah” Nwangene, who reportedly died after suffering a snakebite and being unable to access anti-snake venom at two hospitals.
Nwangene reportedly died on Saturday after taking herself to multiple hospitals in Abuja, where anti-snake venom was said to be unavailable.
The Senate described the incident as tragic and preventable, noting that the lack of life-saving antidotes in emergency situations poses a serious risk to public health.
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As part of the resolution, lawmakers urged health regulators to make the availability of critical antidotes a mandatory requirement for hospital licensing and accreditation, while ensuring adequate funding and a reliable supply chain for public healthcare facilities.
The Senate also directed the Federal Ministry of Information and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to launch nationwide public awareness campaigns encouraging immediate hospital visits after snakebites, poisoning, or suspected overdoses, and warning against delays or reliance on unverified remedies.
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