Alia Releases ₦2.3 Billion for BSUTH Staff Arrears

The Benue State Government has released ₦2.3 billion to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, to settle outstanding staff arrears and implement approved adjustments to allowances, alongside other personnel-related obligations.

The funding intervention by Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia is intended to address outstanding payments and implement reviewed allowances approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, with effect from July 2024.

The funds will cover reviewed allowances for members of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), nurses and other categories of healthcare workers. They will also support annual step increments and the hospital's 2026 staff promotion exercise.

Other provisions include reviewed uniform allowances, CONMESS relativity for members of MDCAN and ARD, and specialist allowances for resident doctors. The intervention is expected to help the hospital meet outstanding financial obligations to different categories of staff and ensure that approved remuneration adjustments are implemented.

According to the information provided by the hospital, the revised allowances are intended to bring staff remuneration in line with corresponding entitlements in federal government teaching hospitals and other federal health institutions.

The development is expected to provide greater financial certainty for affected employees and strengthen staff welfare at the institution. Timely payment of approved entitlements can also support morale and help create a more stable working environment for healthcare professionals responsible for patient care.

The funding forms part of the state government's support for the hospital's personnel obligations and institutional operations. Staff welfare remains an important consideration in sustaining the delivery of healthcare services, particularly in a teaching hospital responsible for clinical care, professional training and other specialist services.

The management of BSUTH, under the leadership of the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Terungwa Stephen Hwande, expressed appreciation to Governor Alia for the intervention and his support for staff welfare and institutional development.

The hospital management also acknowledged the importance of continued support in strengthening the institution's capacity to provide quality healthcare services to residents of Benue State and beyond.

Moses Friday Tsenzughul Gum, MNIPR

Head, Public Relations and Protocol, BSUTH