A new Ministry of Maritime and Blue Economy has been approved in Benue State to drive growth and attract economic investments.
The council also introduced improved healthcare salaries to curb the rising trend of medical professionals leaving the state.
The Benue State Executive Council has given the green light for the establishment of a new Ministry of Maritime and Blue Economy, as part of efforts to expand the state’s economic potential.
This was made known by the Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Matthew Abo, during a press briefing held at the Government House in Makurdi. He was joined by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Yanmar Ortese. The announcement followed the council’s 10th meeting, which focused primarily on reviewing progress from earlier sessions.
Abo explained that three major issues stood out during the two-day meeting. One of them was the presentation of the Agricultural Inputs Verification Committee report. He added that a new committee has now been set up to prepare a white paper that will help in implementing the report’s recommendations effectively.
In another key development, the council approved the introduction of consolidated medical salaries and clinical duty allowances. This will benefit workers at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and other healthcare professionals across the state.
Speaking further, Commissioner Ortese highlighted the ongoing challenges caused by the mass migration of healthcare workers abroad, often referred to as the “Japa syndrome.” He said the improved salary package is a strategy to curb the exodus and encourage medical staff to stay and serve within the state.
