FIC Report (Benue State) – Governor Hyacinth Alia has taken bold and strategic steps to expand healthcare access in Benue State. This was disclosed in a press release by the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Publicity, and Communication Strategy, Bridget Tikyaa on Wednesday 12th March 2025.
According to the Governor, this initiative is a major step toward reaching underserved and vulnerable communities, ensuring they receive quality healthcare services. Many of these areas previously lacked functional health facilities, leaving residents without essential medical care.
As part of his visionary approach, Governor Alia has engaged key stakeholders and partners to rehabilitate 104 Comprehensive and Primary Health Centres across the 23 local government areas (LGAs) of Benue State. This intervention targets the most critical health facilities out of the 276 covered under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
Comprehensive Assessment and Selection Process
The selection of these facilities followed a thorough assessment of all basic healthcare centers, which included:
Site visits to evaluate the condition of each facility.
Identification of necessary repairs and infrastructure needs.
Documentation of findings, including photographs, drawings, and detailed descriptions.
Development of a comprehensive database of assessed facilities.
Preparation of bills of quantity and specifications for renovation.
Project Goals and Key Features
The rehabilitation project aims to:
Improve access to basic healthcare services.
Enhance the quality of primary healthcare at the grassroots level.
Ensure prompt emergency medical response.
Reduce the financial burden of out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
Improve overall health outcomes, reinforcing the principle that a healthy citizenry leads to a prosperous community.
Under the revitalization plan, each health center will be equipped with:
At least two consulting rooms.
Male and female inpatient wards.
A fully equipped laboratory.
A modern delivery ward.
A dispensary or pharmacy.
Two one-bedroom apartments for staff working night shifts to ensure 24-hour service availability.
Additional infrastructure improvements include:
At least two standard toilets (for staff and patients).
A separate toilet for physically challenged individuals, with a ramp and handrails for easy access.
A perimeter fence with a gate and gatehouse for security.
A motorized solar-powered borehole for clean water supply.
Solar-powered electricity to ensure uninterrupted services.
Funding and Implementation Strategy
The PHC revitalization will be funded through a partnership between:
The World Bank’s Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) Project.
The Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), facilitated by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.
Each facility will receive at least N80 million for renovations. A total of N268,610,171.20 has been earmarked for the rehabilitation of six facilities under the BHCPF, while the IMPACT project will renovate 98 facilities.
According to Mrs. Grace Ashi Wende, Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Board, the World Bank-funded renovations will follow a competitive bidding process, while the Federal Government funds will adhere to Public Procurement guidelines.
Although only 104 facilities are currently being renovated, bills of quantities have been prepared for all 276 BHCPF facilities. This ensures that additional partners, government bodies, or individuals interested in funding renovations can easily access the necessary documentation.
Health Centres Undergoing Rehabilitation
The 104 health centers being rehabilitated are spread across all 23 local government areas and divided into five segments:
Zone 1:
Vandeikya LGA: Bako-Ute, Gbagbogom, Idyegh, Tsar, Mbaagir, Ikpoikpo, Vandeikya, and Gbem.
Ushongo LGA: Adikpo-Mbaagwa, Tseghem, Ushongo, and Kartyo.
Kwande LGA: Gbe, Mbakunu, Gube, Anyiase, Ikyaior, and Nyihemba.
Konshisha LGA: Jirgba, Akputu, Ubwa, and Igbughul.
Zone 2:
Agatu LGA: Enungba, Ogbaulu, and Usha.
Apa LGA: Iga Okpaya, Otakpa, and Olachagbaha.
Ogbadigbo LGA: Igoro, Ukporo, and Odoba.
Ohimini LGA: Eke-Akpa, Akunu, Ehatokpe, and Ochobo.
Otukpo LGA: Ogoli, Akpegede, Upu, Otobi, Ondo, and Ipolo.
Zone 3:
Ado LGA: Agila, Udebo-Ojenyo, Ekile.
Obi LGA: Obijago, Adum East, Ameka, Itakpa.
Oju LGA: Akwuda, Obussa, Ojokwe, Ihigile.
Okpokwu LGA: Otobi-Amejo, Okpoga, Ikomuja.
Gwer East LGA: Adetsav, Ukyari, Asina, Taraku, and Tse-Biaga.
Zone 4:
Gboko LGA: Ambighir, Tyoado, Akpagher, Mbadam, Tse-Kucha, and Abetsef.
Guma LGA: Umenger, Ukpiam, Yogbo, Udei, Abinsi.
Gwer West LGA: Nyamshi, Naka, Kwashon, Onovmbaaondo.
Makurdi LGA: Adeke, FSP Makurdi, Adaka.
Tarka LGA: Asukunya, Akoodo, Aso, and Tse-Tiah.
Zone 5:
Katsina-Ala LGA: Amaafu, WHS Sai, Ayua, Gbor, Ikyor.
Logo LGA: Mchia, Imande Adega, Iorza, Agwabi.
Buruku LGA: Ajoho, Anshav, Tyowanye, and Vaase.
Ukum LGA: Tine-Nune, Kyado, and Gbagir.
Government’s Commitment to Healthcare Advancement
During the groundbreaking ceremony for the rehabilitation of the Primary Healthcare Centre in Akpegede, Otukpo LGA, the State Deputy Governor, Mr. Sam Ode, emphasized that Governor Alia’s leadership has brought significant advancements in the healthcare sector, particularly through the modernization of the State Teaching Hospital.
He highlighted that revitalizing the 104 health centers is a crucial step in strengthening the state’s healthcare system and called on local communities to support the contractors for timely project completion.
Additionally, Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Yanmar Ortese, stressed the importance of adequate primary healthcare facilities, noting that the goal is to ensure that patients can consult doctors whenever they visit the centers.
With this initiative, Governor Hyacinth Alia is reinforcing his administration’s commitment to accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare for all in Benue State.
Signed:
Irene Onehi
Head of Centre
Federal Information Centre, Makurdi
