Iorfa Akpen
The Benue State Executive Council has approved the sum of N1,292,419,475.53 for the payment of CONMESS/CONHESS arrears, hazard allowances and new allowances for medical doctors and other health workers under the Benue State Hospital Management Board.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Chief Solomon Iorpev, disclosed this on Thursday, 22nd October, 2026, while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia.
Iorpev said the approval is aimed at restoring stability to the health sector and boosting the morale of health workers in the state.
According to him, Council also approved the sum of N1,695,308,290 for the sponsorship of 195 pilgrims and officials to the 2027 Hajj exercise.
The Council also approved the full participation of Benue State in the joint security initiative proposed by Northern States of Nigeria to combat insecurity in the region.
The Commissioner explained that the decision is part of broader efforts to end insecurity, following several engagements including the recently concluded North Central Security Summit held in Makurdi.
In the health sector, Council received the exciting news of the approval by the Federal Government of four health facilities in the state as free snake bite treatment centres. The facilities are General Hospital Katsina-Ala, General Hospital Gboko, General Hospital Otukpo, with the Benue State University Teaching Hospital serving as a referral centre.
He said the intervention will reduce the burden of the high cost of snake bite treatment which is often unaffordable for victims, and will go a long way in saving lives.
On education and sports, Council was informed of the huge success recorded by students of Government Secondary School, Gboko, who emerged overall winners at a recently concluded National Basketball Competition in Lagos. Iorpev said the feat reflects the renewed commitment of the Alia administration to sports development.
The Council was also briefed on the recent upgrade of Benue State’s economic rating by FITCH and other global rating bodies from B-minus to B, which he said is indicative of growth, stability, fiscal transparency and readiness of the state for investments.
Furthermore, Council approved the revised estimates of the supplementary budget, retaining the budget ceiling of N695.01 billion, with only realignment of allocations to accommodate projects requiring additional funding and other priority needs.
Iorpev clarified that there were no additional monetary additions to the budget, but only reviews and adjustments to cover gaps within budget lines.
