Nigerian Senate Approves Federal Oil And Gas Hospital For Delta State.
The Nigerian Senate has passed a landmark bill to establish the Federal Oil and Gas Hospital in Benikrukru, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, a move hailed as a significant boost for healthcare in the oil-rich Niger Delta. The legislation, passed on 22 July 2025, aims to provide specialised medical services for oil and gas workers and communities affected by exploration activities, addressing long-standing health challenges in the region.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Joel Thomas (APC-Delta), was presented by the Senate Committee on Health, chaired by Senator Banigo Ipalibo Harry (PDP-Rivers), during a plenary session in Abuja. Senator Harry emphasised that the hospital will offer comprehensive care tailored to the unique health risks faced by oil industry workers and host communities, such as exposure to pollutants and occupational hazards. “This facility will ensure unhindered access to quality healthcare, reducing the burden of oil-related illnesses and fostering peace in the Niger Delta,” she stated.
The proposed hospital is expected to serve as a hub for emergency medical services, offering treatments for conditions linked to oil and gas exploration, including respiratory issues and chemical exposure. By situating the facility in Benikrukru, a strategic location in the heart of the Niger Delta, the government aims to address local agitations and improve access to healthcare for communities often underserved due to their proximity to oil activities. The bill received strong support from stakeholders during public hearings, with no significant opposition reported.
This development aligns with broader efforts to enhance the welfare of Niger Delta residents, who have long demanded greater benefits from the region’s vast oil wealth. Posts on X reflect positive sentiment, with users praising the initiative as a step towards addressing environmental and health injustices in the region, though some questioned why oil companies are not funding the project directly. The Senate’s approval has been described as a “good development” by community leaders, who see it as a commitment to improving living conditions in oil-producing areas.
The passage of the bill follows years of advocacy for better healthcare infrastructure in the Niger Delta, where environmental degradation from oil exploration has been linked to significant health challenges. The hospital is expected to complement existing initiatives, such as the Petroleum Industry Act’s provisions for host community development, by providing targeted medical support. “This is a victory for the people of Delta State and the entire Niger Delta,” Senator Thomas said, highlighting the potential for the hospital to reduce regional tensions.
As the bill moves towards implementation, the government is expected to collaborate with health and oil industry stakeholders to ensure the hospital meets international standards. The facility’s establishment is seen as a critical step in Nigeria’s efforts to balance economic gains from oil exploration with the well-being of affected communities, paving the way for a healthier, more equitable future in the Niger Delta.