Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered a full investigation into allegations of medical negligence following the death of Nkanu Nnamdi, the 21-month-old son of award-winning Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, at a private hospital in the state.

The Lagos State Government said it received a detailed account from Adichie on the circumstances surrounding her son’s death and has directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to commence an immediate inquiry.

In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, the government confirmed that the child, one of Adichie’s twin sons, died on January 6 after a brief illness.

HEFAMAA has been mandated to conduct a comprehensive, independent and transparent investigation to establish both the immediate and underlying causes of death, as well as to determine whether there were breaches of medical standards or professional conduct.

The agency has already visited the hospital involved and begun reviewing medical records, reports and allegations connected to the case, the statement said.

According to the government, the investigation will assess compliance with clinical protocols, patient safety requirements, and the conduct and responsibilities of all healthcare personnel involved in the child’s treatment.

HEFAMAA is also expected to work with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and other relevant regulatory bodies to ensure the probe meets required professional and ethical benchmarks.

The state government said it maintains zero tolerance for medical negligence and unprofessional conduct in any health facility operating in Lagos, adding that appropriate sanctions would be applied where wrongdoing is established.

Residents were urged to avoid speculation while the investigation is ongoing, with officials warning that premature conclusions could compromise the integrity of the process.

Lagos authorities said the findings of the probe would be made public upon conclusion, in line with the state’s stated commitment to transparency and accountability in the health sector.

The case comes amid fresh scrutiny of patient safety and standards of care in both private and public health facilities across Lagos, where regulators have pledged tighter oversight in response to recurring complaints.


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