The Nigerian Senate has advanced efforts to expand federal healthcare infrastructure through an amendment to the Federal Medical Centres Act, paving the way for the establishment of additional medical facilities.
On Thursday, October 22, 2026, the Senate passed a bill seeking to amend the Federal Medical Centres Act, 2022, to establish the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ido, in Oyo State. The bill was transmitted by the House of Representatives for concurrence.
Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, presented the legislation for consideration. He said the bill had completed the required legislative stages in the House of Representatives and met the necessary procedural requirements.
The Senate considered the bill at the Committee of the Whole, approved its provisions and subsequently passed it after a third reading through a voice vote.
New Medical Centre Expected to Improve Access
The proposed medical centre in Ido, Oyo State, is part of broader legislative efforts to extend access to federal healthcare services and bring medical facilities closer to communities.
Federal Medical Centres provide secondary and specialist healthcare services, including diagnosis, treatment and referral care. Establishing additional centres could help reduce pressure on existing facilities and limit the distance patients travel to obtain treatment.
However, the practical benefits will depend on implementation, including adequate funding, qualified medical personnel, modern equipment and reliable supporting infrastructure.
Senate Highlights Healthcare Development
Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the Senate leadership, committee chairmen and members for their contributions to the legislative process.
He expressed hope that the initiative would strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system and improve access to medical services for citizens.
The legislative move comes amid wider efforts to address gaps in healthcare delivery and improve access to specialised treatment within Nigeria.
In a related development, the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) held a public hearing on October 8, 2026, on a separate amendment bill sponsored by Senator Abdullahi Yahaya Abubakar. That proposal seeks to establish a Federal Medical Centre in Argungu, Kebbi State.
The proposals reflect continuing legislative attention to the distribution of federal medical facilities. Their impact will ultimately depend on the completion of the required legal processes and the government’s ability to fund and operationalise the institutions.
