UYO — Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has concluded plans to present a ₦1.390 trillion 2026 budget proposal to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly for consideration and approval.
The proposed Appropriation Bill, approved during the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting held on Wednesday in Uyo, forms part of the government’s continuing effort to advance the ARISE Agenda — Governor Eno’s comprehensive development blueprint for the state.
According to the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, the 2026 fiscal plan is designed to deepen the dividends of democracy across key sectors including agriculture, rural development, infrastructure expansion, security, education, healthcare, tourism, economic diversification, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
Umanah emphasized that the proposed budget focuses on completing ongoing flagship projects, creating jobs through support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and promoting tourism as a tool for economic growth. The proposal also includes provisions for the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and ferries to improve the state’s transportation system.
He noted that transparency, fiscal discipline, and human capital development — particularly targeting women, youth, and vulnerable groups — are at the heart of the new budget.
During the meeting, the Council also reviewed and approved several recommendations from the Finance and General Purpose Committee (FGPC). Among them was the ratification of an upward review of the total project cost for the Aviation Village, which forms part of the Victor Attah International Airport development. The revised project scope includes dualization of access and internal roads, concrete paving, outfalls, perimeter fencing, gatehouse construction, electrical works, an entrance tower, and a residential estate.
In addition, EXCO ratified the FGPC’s approval for consultancy, design, and procurement of broadcast equipment for the Akwa Ibom State Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC) Television and Radio stations. The contract, awarded to MediaGuru LLC of Dubai, will cover system integration and technical upgrades aimed at modernizing the state’s broadcast infrastructure.
The Council also directed the immediate deployment of re-engaged retired health workers on contract to various health facilities across the state. The Ministry of Health has been instructed to commence construction and rehabilitation work on eight General Hospitals, 29 Primary Healthcare Centres, and the Molecular Diagnostics/State Public Health Laboratory and Isolation Centre.
As part of efforts to strengthen the financial position of the state-owned Anchor Insurance Limited, the Council approved the release of ₦4.15 billion to the company in exchange for multi-billion-naira properties in Lagos. These properties were previously used in an asset swap arrangement to recapitalize the insurance firm.
Governor Eno further directed the appointment of a reputable estate valuer to assess the properties, while the Akwa Ibom Property and Investments Company (APICO) and the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP) were tasked with converting these assets into profitable ventures to boost the state’s economic base.
The 2026 budget proposal, once presented to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, is expected to outline the government’s fiscal direction for the year, with a strong emphasis on sustainable growth, transparency, and inclusive development across all sectors of the state’s economy.