Senate Backs Oil Hospital Bill in Delta

The Senate has advanced a bill proposing the creation of a Federal Oil and Gas Hospital in Benikrukru, Delta State, to the second reading, marking a crucial step toward addressing the region’s health challenges linked to oil exploration.

Sponsored by Senator Joel Onowakpo (APC, Delta), the bill seeks to provide comprehensive medical services for oil industry workers and host communities impacted by years of exposure to environmental hazards.

Senator Onowakpo said the hospital would help reduce health risks associated with oil exploration and ease tensions in the Niger Delta. “Benikrukru sits at the core of offshore oil activities,” he said. “This project will not only serve major oil companies like Chevron and Shell but also bring long-overdue healthcare access to local communities.”

The hospital, according to the proposal, will be funded by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), meaning it would not place additional financial strain on the federal government.

The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, referred the bill to the Committee on Health for further scrutiny, with a report expected within four weeks.