Gov. Alia Settles N1.5bn Promotion Arrears, Hazard Allowances of BSUTH Workers

The leadership of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) has expressed their appreciation to Governor Hyacinth Alia for settling over N1.5 billion in outstanding payments. These payments include 21-month hazard allowances and 13-month promotion arrears owed to the health workers at the hospital.

The State Chairman of JOHESU, Benjamin Ioryem, lauded the governor’s prompt action in addressing the long-standing issues, which had been unresolved under the previous administration. He praised Governor Alia for his empathetic approach and commitment to improving the welfare of health workers in the state.

Speaking at a press conference, Ioryem explained that the union had been fighting for these arrears since the days of the former administration, but their efforts were often dismissed, with the workers being labeled as supporters of opposition parties. However, upon Governor Alia’s assumption of office, he took immediate steps to engage with the workers directly. The union presented its challenges to the governor in writing, which led to the formation of a committee to investigate the issues.

Ioryem revealed that after the governor’s intervention, health workers began receiving alerts for the payments in December 2024, bringing joy to the hospital workforce. The union also thanked Alia for fulfilling promises to increase the health workers’ hazard allowance from N5,000 to N30,000 and implementing a 25% upward salary review.

Moreover, the chairman highlighted the ongoing developments in the state’s healthcare sector, including the construction of a Cancer Treatment Centre, a 800,000-litre water plant, and a pharmacology complex to enhance drug supply. The governor’s administration is also working on establishing a Mental Health and Psychosocial Rehabilitation Centre, an Institute of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, and fostering a healing environment at the hospital.

Additionally, Ioryem commended Alia for his appointment of Stephen Hwande as the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of BSUTH, noting his role in driving positive changes in the hospital.

The JOHESU leadership concluded by reiterating its support for Governor Alia, endorsing him as the union’s sole candidate for the 2027 elections, citing his responsiveness and dedication to addressing their needs. The union expressed pride in the governor’s actions, stating that the positive steps taken are worthy of recognition and celebration.