The Benue State House of Assembly has summoned Mrs. Ashi Wende, Executive Secretary of the State Primary Health Care Board, to appear before the House. The purpose of her appearance is to provide a comprehensive briefing on the scope and structure of the World Bank’s support for renovating Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Benue State
.The House made the decision during its Tuesday plenary session at the Hearing Hall in Makurdi following a motion by Hon. Anthony Agom, representing Okpokwu State Constituency.
Hon. Agom who highlighted the importance of primary health care in rural and underserved communities, disclosed that the World Bank, in partnership with federal and state authorities, is supporting the revitalization and renovation of PHCs nationwide, including in Benue State.
He expressed concern about the limited availability of information regarding the number of PHCs renovated, selection criteria, funds received, and project timelines
.”Reports from several communities indicates that some existing PHCs appear to have been neglected despite the said support, raising questions about transparency, equity, and implementation efficiency”
The House has requested a detailed report on funds received, health centres renovated, and those marked for future intervention.
In his contribution, Hon. Thomas Dugeri, representing Kwande West and Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Health, added that the contractors involved in the project should also appear before the House.
The Speaker, Hon. Hyacinth Dajoh, directed the Clerk to communicate with relevant offices for the summoned individuals to appear at the next plenary session on April 15, 2025.
Additionally, the House has deferred questions regarding the Director General of the Benue State Procurement Commission and contractors handling the Makurdi to Nigeria Air Force Base road dualization project, with instructions for concerned parties to reappear at the next session.
