Senate Passes Bill Establishing Federal Medical Centre in Adikpo

By Iyojo Ameh

The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill seeking the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Adikpo, Benue State. The bill, sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Udende, representing Benue North East Senatorial District, scaled its third and final reading on the Senate floor during plenary on Tuesday.

The legislation, which was unanimously adopted during a Committee of the Whole, aims to provide quality healthcare to residents of Benue North East and adjoining areas, including parts of Nigeria and neighbouring Cameroon. The bill now awaits presidential assent.

Senator Udende explained that the proposal stemmed from the recent amendment to the Federal Medical Centres Act of 2022. He stressed the urgent need to bring healthcare services closer to border communities like Adikpo, which are significantly underserved due to distance from existing federal health institutions.

“The distance between Adikpo and Makurdi, the Benue State capital, where the nearest Federal Medical Centre is located, spans over 300 kilometers. This places patients requiring urgent care in grave danger,” Senator Udende stated.

Highlighting the plight of residents of Kwande Local Government Area, which shares a border with Cameroon, the lawmaker noted that many people are often compelled to seek medical attention in neighbouring countries. This, he said, has become increasingly unsustainable due to high costs and cross-border limitations.

“The establishment of this Federal Medical Centre will not only save lives but also promote economic activity and cultural exchange, given Adikpo’s strategic location near the Cameroonian border,” he added.

Udende also emphasized the broader impact of the health institution, saying it would catalyze infrastructural growth, enhance access to healthcare, and improve education in the region.

He commended the Senate for its swift passage of the bill and expressed appreciation to the Senate Committees on Health and Tertiary Institutions for organizing a public hearing that facilitated broad stakeholder input.

“The absence of such federal institutions has contributed to the underdevelopment of our border communities. I am grateful to my colleagues and the relevant committees for their timely and positive response to this legislative intervention,” Udende said.

The bill is now set to be transmitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.