Senate Passes Bill Establishing Oil, Gas Hospital In Delta

The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday passed a bill seeking to establish the Federal Oil and Gas Hospital in Benikrukru, Delta State.

The legislative approval followed the presentation of the report by the Senate Committee on Health, led by Senator Banigo Ipalibo Harry (PDP, Rivers). The bill was sponsored by Senator Joel Thomas (APC, Delta).

According to Senator Harry, the proposed hospital will deliver specialised and comprehensive medical care to workers in the oil and gas industry and residents of affected host communities.

She explained that the legislation received strong stakeholder support during its public hearing, with various parties highlighting the urgent health needs arising from prolonged exposure to hazardous oil exploration activities.

Senator Harry underscored the prevalence of terminal illnesses, cancers, and injuries among oil workers and host community members—conditions that demand expert medical attention and occupational health services.

She noted that long-standing neglect of these communities has exacerbated agitation in the Niger Delta, posing a threat to national stability and economic development.

Justifying the choice of Delta State as the hospital’s location, she emphasised the state’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s oil production landscape.

The facility is expected to provide accessible, quality healthcare, including emergency interventions and occupational therapy, to bridge treatment gaps and significantly reduce response times in medical emergencies.

Senator Harry urged the upper chamber to support the bill, describing it as critical to enhancing public health infrastructure and promoting regional peace.

Following a clause-by-clause review, the Senate passed the bill.