The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill for an Act to establish the Federal Oil and Gas Hospital in Benikrukru, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State.
The passage followed the presentation and consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary & Tertiary) on the Federal Oil and Gas Hospital, Benikrukru (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (SB. 847), presented by the committee chairperson, Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo (PDP, Rivers West).
The bill was read for the third time and subsequently passed after a clause-by-clause consideration by the Senate.
In her presentation, Senator Banigo stated: “That the Senate do receive and consider the Report of the Committee on Health on the Federal Oil and Gas Hospital, Benikrukru (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (SB. 847).”
She noted that the bill was sponsored by Senator Onwakpo Thomas Joel (APC, Delta South), and seeks to establish a specialized medical facility to provide comprehensive healthcare services for workers in the oil and gas industry, as well as for communities affected by oil exploration and production activities.
According to Senator Banigo, the bill received overwhelming support from a broad range of stakeholders during the public hearing.
“It is on record that workers in the oil and gas industry, especially those in host communities, are frequently exposed to various hazards resulting from exploration activities,” she said.
“These include terminal illnesses, cancers, and injuries that require specialized care, occupational health expertise, and environmental medicine.”
Banigo further highlighted that the neglect of these vulnerable groups has contributed to agitation and restiveness in the Niger Delta, hindering both regional and national socioeconomic development.
She emphasized that the hospital’s proposed location—Benikrukru in Delta State—is strategically positioned in one of Nigeria’s most active crude oil exploration zones.
“The hospital will provide a wide range of emergency care and occupational health services, reduce medical response downtime, and ensure access to adequate, quality healthcare for affected communities and industry personnel.”
She urged the Senate to pass the bill, given its potential to address longstanding health challenges in the region.
The bill, which scaled second reading in the Senate on July 8, 2025, was first read on June 24, 2025.
In his lead debate, the bill’s sponsor, Senator Onwakpo Thomas Joel, reiterated the urgent need for a dedicated medical facility in the oil-rich Niger Delta.
“The bill seeks to establish a hospital that will ensure access to quality healthcare for workers in the oil and gas sector, as well as residents of communities impacted by exploration activities,” Joel stated.
He noted that the hospital would offer emergency care, occupational health services, and treatment for oil and gas-related conditions, thereby reducing downtime and boosting productivity in the sector.
“The siting of this hospital is strategic. It will help address long-standing agitations and restiveness in the Niger Delta by offering tangible health benefits to affected communities,” he added.
Senator Joel emphasized that Delta South Senatorial District is home to the highest offshore crude oil production in the state and ranks second nationally. The proposed hospital location lies in the heart of Nigeria’s offshore oil operations, serving communities and companies such as Chevron, Shell, ExxonMobil, Total, and Nigerian Agip Oil Company.
He also clarified that the hospital’s funding structure would not burden the federal treasury.
“The hospital will be funded by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), which derives its revenue from **1% of every contract awarded in the oil and gas sector,” Joel explained.
