The Benue State Executive Council has approved the establishment of a new Ministry of Maritime and Blue Economy in a strategic move to diversify and strengthen the state's economic landscape.
This development was announced by Matthew Abo, the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, while briefing journalists on the outcome of the 10th State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House in Makurdi.
Key Decisions from the Executive Council Meeting
According to Abo, the two-day meeting primarily focused on follow-up actions from previous sessions, with three major items dominating the agenda. The Council received a report from the Agricultural Inputs Verification Committee and subsequently established a new committee to draft a white paper that will guide the implementation of the report's recommendations.
In a significant development for healthcare workers, the Council also approved the implementation of consolidated medical salaries and clinical duty allowances for staff at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and other healthcare facilities across the state.
Addressing Healthcare Worker Migration
Dr. Yanmar Ortese, Commissioner for Health and Human Services, elaborated on the healthcare salary structure approval, noting that it aims to address the critical shortage of medical personnel in the state. He highlighted that the increasing migration of health professionals, commonly referred to as the "Japa syndrome," has significantly impacted healthcare delivery in Benue.
"The implementation of the consolidated salary structure is specifically designed to retain our medical personnel and ensure quality healthcare delivery to our people," Dr. Ortese explained.
The creation of the Maritime and Blue Economy Ministry represents a forward-thinking approach by the Benue State government to tap into previously unexplored economic sectors, leveraging the state's natural water resources for economic growth.
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