Senate Passes Second Reading of Bill to Establish

Senate Passes Second Reading of Bill to Establish

The Nigerian Senate has passed the second reading of a bill seeking to establish the Federal Oil and Gas Hospital in Benin-Kruku, Delta State. The bill was presented by Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas (Delta South) during plenary on Tuesday.

Senator Thomas explained that the hospital aims to provide specialized and comprehensive medical services to workers in the oil and gas sector, as well as to the host communities affected by exploration activities.

He stressed that the facility would ensure unhindered access to quality healthcare, reducing health risks associated with oil and gas operations. Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) highlighted the importance of the hospital in supporting people injured in oil and gas-related accidents, stressing the lack of nearby alternatives.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin who presided over Tuesday’s session, referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Health for further legislative scrutiny and input. The committee is expected to report back within four weeks. Barau noted that the passage of the bill would significantly improve the well-being and healthcare outcomes for the people of the Niger Delta and oil and gas industry workers