Senate Approves New Oil And Gas Hospital In Delta For Workers And Host Communities

The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill to establish a federal oil and gas hospital in Benikrukru, Delta State.

The move aims to improve healthcare for oil and gas workers as well as residents of host communities affected by the industry’s activities.

The bill, sponsored by Delta South Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, was presented through a report by the Senate Committee on Health, chaired by Rivers West Senator Ipalibo Banigo. Lawmakers backed the proposal during a plenary session, voting to adopt the report and approve the bill after detailed consideration.

The planned hospital is designed to offer full medical services, with a focus on occupational health and emergency response. It targets the specific needs of those working in and living near oil-producing areas, where exposure to toxic substances and industrial accidents is common.

Lawmakers stressed that oil workers and local communities often face serious health challenges such as cancer, injuries, and other conditions linked to prolonged exposure to oil and gas operations. In many cases, there has been limited access to proper medical care. Some senators pointed out that while oil company workers are flown to top hospitals in emergencies, local residents are left behind without support.

By setting up the hospital in Delta State — a key hub in Nigeria’s energy economy — the government hopes to close this healthcare gap. The hospital is also expected to reduce delays in treating critical cases and offer specialised services that are currently hard to access in the region.

Senators argued that neglect of host communities has contributed to rising unrest and economic disruption in the Niger Delta. They believe that better access to healthcare can help calm tensions and support development.

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for concurrence before it can be signed into law. If fully implemented, the hospital will mark a shift toward recognising the health rights of those bearing the brunt of Nigeria’s oil wealth.