By Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
The Benue State Government has issued a one-month ultimatum to contractors handling the rehabilitation of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state’s 23 local government areas, directing them to complete all outstanding works and hand over the facilities before the end of June 2026.
The directive was issued during a strategic review meeting between the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services and contractors engaged in the ongoing revitalisation of PHCs across the state.
Government officials warned that failure to meet the stipulated deadlines could affect contractors’ access to retention funds and other contractual obligations tied to project completion.
While some contractors cited security challenges in certain locations as factors slowing project execution, stakeholders at the meeting stressed that every effort must be made to complete the remaining works within the agreed timeframe.
The meeting, which followed an earlier engagement held on April 28, 2026, reviewed the status of project implementation, examined challenges affecting delivery, and finalised schedules for the handover of completed facilities.
Speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche, commended contractors for the progress recorded so far and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the successful completion of all healthcare infrastructure projects.
He described the PHC revitalisation programme as a key component of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s healthcare transformation agenda, aimed at improving access to quality healthcare through the rehabilitation, upgrading and expansion of health facilities across Benue State.
According to the project implementation update presented at the meeting, the number of PHCs ready for commissioning has increased from about 70 during the last review session to 80 completed facilities, reflecting significant progress in the programme.
The meeting also revealed that contractors had agreed to accelerate work on the remaining facilities to ensure their completion and handover within the agreed timelines.
Project Manager, Dr. Ene Ochai, underscored the importance of meeting project deadlines, noting that the timely completion and transfer of the facilities would enable government and health authorities to commence full utilisation of the upgraded centres for improved service delivery.
Similarly, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Benue State Primary Health Care Board, Pharm. Samuel Mbatsoon, said prompt completion of the projects was essential to expanding access to healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
He noted that delays in project delivery could undermine efforts to strengthen the state’s primary healthcare system and improve health outcomes for residents.
Participants at the meeting also reviewed strategies for addressing outstanding technical and operational challenges, agreeing that enhanced collaboration, effective communication and continuous monitoring would be crucial to achieving the project’s objectives.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment from contractors, project supervisors and government officials to ensure the successful completion and handover of all outstanding facilities.
Stakeholders described the PHC revitalisation programme as a major investment in the health and well-being of Benue residents and a significant milestone in the Alia administration’s efforts to build a resilient, accessible and people-centred healthcare system.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all completed facilities are promptly handed over, equipped and put into use to improve healthcare delivery across the state.
