Benue govt approves new Ministry of Maritime and Blue Economy

The Benue State Executive Council has approved the creation of a new Ministry of Maritime and Blue Economy to further expand the state’s economic base.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Matthew Abo, during a press briefing on the outcome of the 10th State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House in Makurdi.

Abo, who addressed the media alongside the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Yanmar Ortese, stated that the two-day council meeting focused largely on follow-ups from previous sessions, with three major issues taking center stage.

One of the highlights was the presentation of a report by the Agricultural Inputs Verification Committee. Abo said the council also set up a new committee to develop a white paper to guide the implementation of the report’s recommendations.

Additionally, the council approved the implementation of consolidated medical salaries and clinical duty allowances for staff of the State University Teaching Hospital and other health workers across Benue State.

Dr. Ortese explained that the decision was in response to the growing exodus of healthcare professionals, commonly referred to as the “Japa syndrome,” which has led to a critical shortage of manpower in the sector. He emphasized that the new pay structure is aimed at retaining skilled personnel and revitalizing the healthcare system.

The resolutions, according to the commissioners, are part of a broader effort to strengthen the state’s agricultural and health sectors while boosting economic growth.