The Lagos State Government has ordered an investigation into allegations of medical negligence surrounding the death of Nkanu Nnamdi, the 21-month-old son of acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, at a private hospital in Lagos.
The Telegraph reported on Thursday that the toddler, one of Adichie’s twin sons, died after a brief illness.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Adichie alleged that her son’s death resulted from what she described as “criminal negligence,” accusing the attending anaesthesiologist of being “fatally casual and careless with the precious life of a child.”
According to the author, the child initially developed symptoms of a mild cold, which rapidly worsened into a severe infection.
Reacting to the allegation, Euracare Hospital, where the child was reportedly treated, said it had begun an internal investigation into the incident.
In a statement released on Saturday, the hospital expressed its condolences to Adichie and her family, describing the loss as “profound and unimaginable,” while noting that some public reports contained inaccuracies.
Euracare described itself as a reputable centre for complex medical care, staffed by internationally trained and experienced professionals.
The hospital stated that the child had been critically ill and was referred to its facility for specific diagnostic procedures after receiving care at two other paediatric centres. It added that its medical team provided immediate treatment in line with established clinical protocols and internationally accepted medical standards, working collaboratively with external specialists as requested by the family.
However, Euracare disclosed that the child died less than 24 hours after arriving at the facility.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government said it had been formally notified of what it described as a “deeply distressing” report by Adichie concerning her son’s death following a medical incident at a private healthcare facility on January 6.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, the state government expressed its condolences to the author and her family, describing the death of a child as a profound tragedy.
“The Lagos State Government places the highest value on human life and maintains zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct in any health facility operating within the state,” the statement said.
It disclosed that Governor Sanwo-Olu had directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to immediately commence a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to the statement, HEFAMAA has already visited the facility involved and begun a comprehensive review of all allegations and reports related to the case.
The agency is also expected to collaborate with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and other relevant regulatory bodies to ensure a credible and professional inquiry.
“The investigation will examine compliance with clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, and the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved,” the statement said, adding that the findings would be made public upon completion “in the interest of transparency and public accountability.”
The state government assured residents that any individual or institution found culpable of negligence, professional misconduct or regulatory violations would be sanctioned in accordance with the law.
It also urged the public to remain calm and avoid speculation while the investigation is ongoing, reiterating its commitment to safeguarding the health, safety and rights of all residents and strengthening oversight of medical practice in the state.
