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From Isaac Job, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State government says it has proposed N1.390 trillion for the 2026 financial year to be presented to the State House of Assembly for approval to fund the five cardinal points in the ARISE Agenda of Pastor Umo Eno’s administration in the state.
According to the Commissioner of Information, Dr. Aniekan Umanah, the proposal was presented at the State Executive Council, on Wednesday, November 5, for onward transmission to the State House of Assembly for passage into law.
“The Executive Council considered and deliberated on the 2026 Budget Proposal and approved a budget size of ₦1.390 trillion for onward transmission to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly for consideration and passage.”
Umanah, who made excerpts of the State Executive Council meeting available to journalists in Uyo, explained that the 2026 budget is anchored on deepening dividends of the ARISE Agenda with special focus on agriculture, development, rural development, infrastructure expansion, security, education, tourism, health and environment.
“The proposed budget is anchored on deepening dividends of the ARISE Agenda, focusing on agricultural development, rural development, infrastructure expansion, security, education, tourism growth, healthcare, economic diversification, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
“The 2026 fiscal plan emphasises the completion of ongoing flagship projects, job creation through MSME support and tourism promotion, improved transportation through CNG buses and ferries; enhanced transparency, fiscal discipline, and human capital development, particularly for women, youth, and vulnerable groups.”
Umanah said the State Executive Council also considered a memo from the Secretary to the state government conveying approvals of the Finance and General Purpose Committee (FGPC) on various projects and ratified an upward review of the total project cost for the Aviation Village.
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He disclosed that the review covers dualisation of access and internal roads, concrete paving, outfalls, perimeter fencing, gatehouse, electrical works, entrance tower, and residential estate within the Victor Attah International Airport.
The Commissioner further stated that the State Executive Council ratified the Finance and General Purpose Committee’s approval for the consultancy, design, procurement of broadcast equipment, and system integration for the State Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC) Television and Radio, awarded to MediaGuru LLC, Dubai.
He said other resolutions included adoption of the report by the Commissioner for Health on the ongoing implementation of the State of Emergency in the Health Sector as Council directed the immediate deployment of re-engaged retired health workers on contract to various health facilities across the state.
“Council also directed the Ministry of Health to urgently commence work on eight General Hospitals, 29 Primary Healthcare Centres, as well as the Molecular Diagnostics/State Public Health Laboratory and Isolation Centre.”
He said Governor Umo Eno approved Tuesday, 18 November 2025, as the new date for the commissioning of the General Hospital in Ukanafun Local Government Area of the state.
Umanah also disclosed that the governor, in his determined effort to recover prime state properties used in asset swap for the recapitalisation of the State-owned Anchor Insurance Limited approved the release of ₦4,150,000,000 to the company in exchange for multi-billion-naira properties in Lagos and placement to strengthen its capitalisation.
“The Governor in Council directed the immediate appointment of a reputable estate valuer to assess the properties and mandated Akwa Ibom Property and Investments Company, APICO and Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation, AKICORP, to work towards converting such assets into wealth for the state.
“Council received reports from AKICORP on the state of health of state-owned financial institutions. The Governor in Council directed that the management of each of these institutions be invited to make presentations before the Executive Council at subsequent meetings.”
