Gov Eno primes ₦1.390trn 2026 budget proposal for AKHA consideration

By Egufe Yafugborhi

UYO — Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has finalized a ₦1.390 trillion budget proposal for presentation to the State House of Assembly for consideration as the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

The proposal was approved yesterday as part of key decisions reached during the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided over by the Governor in Uyo.

Highlighting the core elements of the proposal, Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, said:

“The proposed budget is anchored on deepening the dividends of the ARISE Agenda, with a strong focus on agriculture, rural development, infrastructure expansion, security, education, tourism growth, healthcare, economic diversification, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.

“The 2026 fiscal plan emphasizes the completion of ongoing flagship projects; job creation through MSME support and tourism promotion; improved transportation via CNG buses and ferries; enhanced transparency and fiscal discipline; and human capital development, particularly for women, youth, and vulnerable groups.”

Umanah added that Council also reviewed and approved recommendations from the Finance and General Purpose Committee (FGPC) on various projects, including ratification of an upward review of the total project cost for the Aviation Village.

The revised scope covers dualization of access and internal roads, concrete paving, outfalls, perimeter fencing, gatehouse, electrical works, entrance tower, and the residential estate within the Victor Attah International Airport.

Council further ratified FGPC’s approval for consultancy, design, procurement of broadcast equipment, and system integration for the Akwa Ibom State Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC) Television and Radio, awarded to MediaGuru LLC, Dubai.

Additionally, EXCO directed the immediate deployment of re-engaged retired health workers on contract to health facilities across the state. The Ministry of Health was also instructed to commence work on eight General Hospitals, 29 Primary Healthcare Centres, and the Molecular Diagnostics/State Public Health Laboratory and Isolation Centre.

In efforts to recover state properties used in an asset swap to recapitalize the state-owned Anchor Insurance Limited, Council approved the release of ₦4,150,000,000 to the company in exchange for multi-billion-naira properties in Lagos and additional placements aimed at strengthening its capitalization.

The Governor also directed the immediate appointment of a reputable estate valuer to assess the properties, and mandated the Akwa Ibom Property and Investments Company (APICO) and the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP) to work toward converting such assets into wealth for the state.

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