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Senate passes bill to establish oil and gas hospital for workers, host communities in Delta

Tinubu seeks senate confirmation for SEC DG, three board members Tinubu seeks senate confirmation for SEC DG, three board members

The senate on Tuesday passed a bill seeking to establish the federal oil and gas hospital in Benikrukru, Delta state.

The passage of the bill followed the presentation of a report by the senate committee on health chaired by Ipalibo Banigo, senator representing Rivers west.

Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, senator representing Delta south, sponsored the bill.

Banigo, a former deputy governor of Rivers state, explained that the proposed hospital would offer comprehensive medical care for workers in the oil and gas sector as well as host communities.

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“Mr. President, my distinguished colleagues, it is on record that workers in the oil and gas industry, most especially the host communities, are often exposed to all manner of hazards resulting from gas exploration activities,” the lawmaker said.

“These workers and host communities face the challenges of tendonitis, cancer, injuries requiring the attention of medical expertise, specialised medical personnel, skilled occupational health, and environmental medicine.

“The neglect of these groups has led to the emergence of agitations and restive activities in the Niger Delta region. Thereby, hampering socio-economic development of the region in particular and the country at large.”

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She noted that the bill received broad support from stakeholders during the public hearing.

According to Banigo, the hospital would ensure access to quality healthcare, especially for occupational health and emergency services.

She said the facility would also help reduce treatment delays and improve medical response times for critical cases, adding that the proposed site, Delta state, hosts several oil exploration activities and remains central to Nigeria’s energy economy.

Benson Agadaga, senator representing Bayelsa east, who seconded the motion, described the bill as timely and necessary.

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“This bill is important, and it is going to solve the problems of members of the host companies where oil and gas are being exploited,” Agadaga said.

“The workers of the companies, when they are sick, they are flown by helicopters and other fast means to take them to places of healing.

“But the natives always suffer from negligence, and therefore, this bill is apt; it is very appropriate, and I feel that it should be given approval with the speed of light.”

The senate adopted the report at the committee of the whole and passed the bill after clause-by-clause consideration.

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