Benue Cracks Down on Delayed PHC Projects, Demands Speed

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr.

Paul Ogwuche, has directed contractors handling six ongoing Primary Health Centre (PHC) revitalisation projects across the state to accelerate work while maintaining approved construction standards.
Dr. Ogwuche gave the directive during an inspection of the projects funded by the Global Fund through UNICEF. The intervention is designed to strengthen primary healthcare services and improve access to quality maternal, newborn and child healthcare for women of reproductive age, pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under five, particularly in underserved communities.
The inspection team visited PHCs at Ameladu in Gboko Local Government Area, Aliade in Gwer East, Ayilamo in Logo, Asa in Otukpo, Orokam in Ogbadibo and Igede Centre in Oju Local Government Area. During the visit, the commissioner observed that the PHC at Asa in Otukpo is being completely rebuilt, while the remaining five facilities are undergoing renovation and expansion to improve infrastructure, increase patient capacity and enhance healthcare delivery.
Expressing concern over the slow pace of work, Dr. Ogwuche noted that the contractors had exceeded the initial six-week completion timeline. He stressed that although government expects the projects to be completed without further delay, quality should not be compromised in the process.
He also directed the contractors to correct defects identified during the inspection, including issues relating to roofing, ceiling finishes and the positioning of some structural components, to ensure compliance with approved architectural and engineering specifications before the facilities are handed over.
The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s administration to providing durable healthcare infrastructure that will improve access to quality health services and guarantee value for public investment.
Responding on behalf of the contractors, the project manager apologised for the delay and assured the inspection team that additional workers would be deployed immediately to fast-track the projects and ensure they are completed and handed over before the end of July 2026.
Members of the inspection team included the State Coordinator of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Laminun Nur; the Acting Executive Secretary of the Benue State Primary Health Care Development Board, Mr. Samuel Mbatsoron; the Board’s Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr. Austin Adanu; and UNICEF Vaccine Cold Logistics Officer, Yusuf Mvumble.