The Distinguished Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Yunus Abiodun Akintunde PhD, has recorded another major legislative achievement as the Bill seeking the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Ona-Ara, Oyo State, successfully passed Third Reading on the floor of the Senate today.
The Bill, titled Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, seeks to amend the Federal Medical Centres Act by providing for the inclusion of the Ona-Ara 100-Bed Mother and Child Hospital into the Federal Medical Centres system.
The proposed legislation was previously passed at First Reading on March 11, 2026, before progressing through the required legislative stages, leading to its successful passage by the Senate.
During plenary, the Senate received and considered the report of the Committee on Health (Secondary & Tertiary) under the Order Paper item titled Presentation and Consideration of Reports. The report was presented by Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Chairperson of the Committee, who moved that the Senate receive and consider the report on the consolidated amendment Bills.
The consolidated Bills sponsored by various Distinguished Senators seek to amend the Federal Medical Centres Act, 2022 by providing for the establishment of additional Federal Medical Centres (FMCs) to complement existing healthcare facilities across the country and improve access to quality medical services for Nigerians.
The proposed additional Federal Medical Centres contained in the consolidated amendment Bills are:
1. Federal Medical Centre, Kwaya Kusa, Borno State (SB.853), sponsored by Mohammed Ali Ndume.
2. Federal Medical Centre, Talasse, Gombe State (SB.866), sponsored by Anthony Siyako Yaro.
3. Federal Medical Centre, Mbake Ishieke, Ebonyi State (SB.909), sponsored by Onyeka Peter Nwebonyi.
4. Federal Medical Centre, Dekina, Kogi State (SB.932), sponsored by Jibrin Isah.
5. Federal Medical Centre, Rigassa, Kaduna State (SB.949), sponsored by Usman Lawal Adamu.
6. Federal Medical Centre, Kazaure, Jigawa State (SB.960), sponsored by Hussaini Babangida Uba.
7. Federal Medical Centre, Ona Ara, Oyo State (SB.1017), sponsored by Yunus Abiodun Akintunde.
Following the consideration and adoption of the Committee’s recommendations, the Senate subsequently passed the amendment Bill through Third Reading.
The successful passage of the Bill shows Senator Yunus Abiodun Akintunde’s commitment to responsive representation and strategic legislative interventions aimed at improving healthcare delivery and the overall well-being of the people.
Beyond strengthening healthcare delivery and expanding access to quality medical services, the proposed Federal Medical Centre in Ona-Ara is also expected to create massive employment opportunities for medical doctors, professional nurses, and other healthcare workers, while boosting the socio-economic development of the area and surrounding communities.
