From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
Benue State Government has issued a one-month ultimatum to contractors handling rehabilitation of Primary Health Centers (PHCs) across the 23 local government areas within which to complete their respective project lots.
This is even as some contractors identified security challenges in certain locations as factors affecting project execution.
However, project managers emphasized that all facilities must be handed over before the end of June 2026, noting that failure to meet the stipulated deadlines could affect access to retention funds and other contractual obligations tied to project completion.
These issues came to the fore at a strategic review meeting between the State Ministry of Health and Human Services with contractors handling the ongoing revitalization of Primary Healthcare Centres, PHCs across the state, that dealt on project completion, facility handover timelines, and the need to sustain momentum towards strengthening healthcare delivery at the grassroots.
During discussions, stakeholders stressed that despite the difficulties encountered by contractors, every effort must be made to complete outstanding works within the established timeframe.
The meeting, which served as a follow-up to an earlier engagement held on April 28, 2026, was convened to assess the current status of project implementation, identify challenges affecting completion, and finalize schedules for the handover of completed facilities across the state.
Speaking during the meeting, the Honourable Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche, commended contractors for the progress recorded so far and reiterated the State Government’s commitment to ensuring the successful delivery of all healthcare infrastructure projects.
The Commissioner noted that the revitalization programme remains a critical component of the healthcare transformation agenda of Governor Hyacinth Alia, Executive whose administration has prioritized access to quality healthcare through the rehabilitation, upgrading, and expansion of health facilities across the state.
According to the project implementation update presented at the meeting, significant progress has been recorded since the last review session. While approximately 70 facilities were reported ready for commissioning during the previous assessment, the number has now increased to 80 completed facilities, reflecting the commitment of contractors and the government’s determination to improve healthcare infrastructure throughout Benue State.
The meeting further revealed that contractors have collectively agreed to accelerate work on the remaining facilities to ensure completion and handover within the agreed timelines.
Participants were reminded that the projects remain subject to a liability period designed to ensure quality assurance and accountability, making timely handover essential for effective monitoring and operationalization of the facilities.
The Project Manager Dr. Ene Ochai highlighted the importance of adherence to timelines, stressing that the successful completion and transfer of the facilities would enable government and healthcare authorities to commence full utilization of the upgraded centres for improved service delivery..
The Acting Executive Secretary of the Benue State Primary Health Care Board Pharm Samuel Mbatsoon emphasized that timely completion of the projects is crucial to expanding access to essential healthcare services, particularly for rural and underserved communities.
He noted that delays in project delivery directly impact service provision and the overall goal of strengthening primary healthcare systems across the state.
Participants also reviewed strategies for addressing outstanding technical and operational challenges, with a consensus that stronger collaboration, effective communication, and continuous monitoring would be required to achieve the project’s objectives.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from contractors, project supervisors, and government officials to work collectively towards the successful completion and handover of all outstanding facilities.
Stakeholders acknowledged that the revitalization programme represents a major investment in the health and well-being of Benue citizens and a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of the Alia administration to build a resilient, accessible, and people-centered healthcare system.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all completed facilities are promptly handed over, equipped, and utilized to improve healthcare outcomes for communities across Benue State.
