The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish the Federal Oil and Gas Hospital in Benikrukru, Delta State. The proposed healthcare facility aims to provide comprehensive medical services for workers in the oil and gas industry and communities affected by exploration activities in the region.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Joel Thomas (APC Delta South), was presented during plenary session where lawmakers deliberated on its merits and potential impact on the Niger Delta region.
While leading the debate, Senator Thomas emphasized that the hospital would ensure unhindered access to adequate and quality healthcare services for industry workers and host communities, particularly addressing health risks associated with oil and gas operations.
"It will interest you to know that the Delta South Senatorial District has the highest offshore oil production in Delta and second in the country," Thomas stated during his presentation. "More specifically, the location indicated for this project is in the heart of offshore oil exploration in the Niger Delta."
The lawmaker further explained that the strategic location of the hospital would help tame agitations in the Niger Delta while providing specialized treatment for oil and gas-related illnesses. He noted that the facility would benefit major oil companies operating in the region, including Chevron, Shell, ExxonMobil, and Total.
A key aspect of the proposal is its funding mechanism. According to Senator Thomas, the hospital would be financed by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), ensuring the project would not impose additional financial burden on the Federal Government.
Support from Fellow Lawmakers
The bill received support from several senators during the debate. Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP Bayelsa West) described the proposed hospital as "the right thing to do," highlighting the necessity of such a facility in the oil-producing region.
Senator Ede Dafinone (APC Delta Central) also backed the bill, noting that the facility would provide crucial support to individuals who sustain oil and gas-related injuries. He pointed out the current lack of specialized medical facilities in the region capable of handling such cases.
Following the debate, Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau (APC Kano North), who presided over the plenary, referred the bill to the Committee on Health for further legislative inputs. The committee is expected to report back to the Senate within four weeks.
Senator Barau remarked that the hospital, when established, would significantly improve healthcare access for workers in the oil and gas industry and residents of the Niger Delta region.
The proposed Federal Oil and Gas Hospital represents a significant step toward addressing the unique healthcare challenges faced by communities in Nigeria's oil-producing regions, which have long suffered from environmental and health impacts of petroleum exploration.
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