Akwa-Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno
Akwa Ibom Governor, Umo Eno has presented an appropriation bill of ₦1.39 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly for consideration and approval.
Describing it as “The People’s Budget of Expansion and Growth”, Governor Eno said the ₦1.39 trillion estimate, comprises of 75% capital votes and 25% recurrent expenditure intended to stimulate growth and consolidate ongoing development efforts.
Giving a breakdown of the budget, it showed that roads and major infrastructure projects would receive ₦387.5bn while education, healthcare, SMEs and strategic projects across all senatorial districts will receive substantial allocations.
The revenue projection for 2026 stands at ₦1.146 trillion.
Presenting the estimates, Eno outlined key achievement across the Arise Agenda, including support for more than 69,000 farmers, advancement of the ongoing palm crop revolution, development of model schools, significant healthcare upgrades, and extensive statewide infrastructure expansion.
He disclosed that over 900 km of roads were currently under construction with no abandoned projects, alongside improvements in security, water supply, tourism, aviation services, social welfare and SME development.
In the health sector, the Governor announced plans to hire 2,000 new workers, the re-engagement of 1,300 retired professionals, and upgrades across both primary and secondary facilities adding that ongoing work at the new international hospital and diagnostic centre would be completed soon
On education, he reaffirmed that the sector remains the State’s most effective weapon against poverty, and called for tolerance in the buildup to election season.
“Even if you disagree with us, let us play politics with decorum. The brother you fight today may become your ally tomorrow,” he said.
He appealed to the Assembly for a timely consideration of the budget, assuring that the Arise Agenda remained committed to delivering quality governance.
“Our achievements in two and a half years are inspiring. Let us remain united so our people can continue to thrive in this Land of Promise.”
Responding, the Speaker of the House, Udeme Otong, described the annual budget presentation as a cornerstone of democratic governance. He commended the impact of the Arise Agenda, noting that it has “brought succor and renewed hope to the people of Akwa Ibom State.”
Otong lauded the administration’s progress in tourism, social welfare programmes such as the ARISE Compassionate Homes initiative, and other people-centered interventions.
According to him, the assembly expects sustained focus on SMEs, community enterprise, education, healthcare, tourism and the creative economy.
In his remarks, Otobong Bob, the Leader of the assembly applauded the Governor for presenting what he described as a “visionary and expansion-driven fiscal plan.”
He praised the 75–25 capital-to-recurrent ratio budget as evidence of the administration’s firm commitment to development while assured that the House would give the budget accelerated consideration in the interest of the people.
