The Nigerian Senate has passed the second reading of a bill seeking the establishment of a Federal Oil and Gas Hospital in Benin-Kruku, Delta State.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas (APC, Delta South), received overwhelming support during plenary on Tuesday.
Presenting the bill, Senator Thomas emphasized the urgent need for a specialized medical facility that caters specifically to the health challenges faced by oil and gas workers, as well as residents of host communities impacted by exploration and production activities in the Niger Delta.
He explained that due to the hazardous nature of oil and gas operations, workers and surrounding communities are often exposed to serious health risks including respiratory diseases, chemical exposure, and industrial accidents. The proposed hospital, he said, would provide comprehensive and specialized healthcare services designed to meet these unique needs.
“This hospital will serve not just the oil and gas workforce, but also the host communities who bear the brunt of environmental and health consequences of energy exploration,” Senator Thomas stated.
Also speaking in support of the bill, Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) pointed out the lack of adequate emergency and trauma care facilities in oil-producing areas. He noted that many victims of industrial accidents often have to travel long distances to receive care, which sometimes results in the loss of lives that could have been saved with prompt medical attention.
“This hospital will fill a crucial gap. When accidents happen in remote oilfields, the absence of nearby specialized medical facilities puts lives at greater risk,” Dafinone said.
Presiding over the session, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin lauded the initiative, noting that the hospital would not only boost the healthcare system in the region but also support the productivity of the oil and gas sector by ensuring that workers receive timely and expert care.
The Deputy Senate President subsequently referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Health for further legislative action and scrutiny. The committee is expected to submit its report within four weeks.
“We are confident that this bill, when passed into law, will make a significant impact on the health and safety of those living and working in the Niger Delta,” Barau said.
The proposal marks a significant legislative step towards improving healthcare access in Nigeria’s oil-producing region and addressing long-standing concerns about environmental and occupational health hazards.
