Capital Projects Take Bulk of Spending
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has signed into law the 2026 Appropriation Bill valued at ₦1.58 trillion.
The budget totals ₦1,584,271,856,630. Recurrent expenditure accounts for ₦416.59 billion, while ₦1.17 trillion is allocated to capital projects.
Governor Commends Executive–Legislative Synergy
Governor Eno signed the bill on Monday during an enlarged State Executive Council meeting at the Government House in Uyo. He praised the strong collaboration between the Executive Arm and the State House of Assembly.
According to him, the partnership contributed significantly to the achievements recorded by the state in the previous year.
The governor urged commissioners and senior officials to show full commitment to service delivery. He warned that excuses for poor performance would not be accepted.
“This year is not for excuses. It is a year for action,” Eno said.
“We must deliver promptly and decisively. When we deliver, we can celebrate and earn recognition.”
Assembly Applauds Budget Implementation
Earlier, Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong, commended the governor’s transparent leadership style. He said the legislature remained satisfied with the administration’s performance.
Otong noted that over 80 per cent of the 2025 budget had been implemented. He assured the governor of continued cooperation from the House.
“The Assembly is ready to keep working with the Executive so the people can continue to enjoy good governance,” he said.
Budget Size Increased After Legislative Review
Briefing journalists after the signing, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Linus Nkan, explained how the budget size increased. He spoke alongside the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah.
Nkan said the budget was originally presented to the House on November 25, 2025, with a total value of ₦1.39 trillion.
After detailed scrutiny and defence by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, adjustments were made. These changes increased the budget by ₦194 billion.
“The final budget for 2026 now stands at ₦1.584 trillion,” Nkan said.
“Recurrent spending rose to ₦416.5 billion, while capital expenditure increased to ₦1.167 trillion.”
He expressed optimism that the budget would stimulate economic growth and accelerate development across the state.
Commissioner of the Year Receives ₦120m Reward
During the meeting, Governor Eno presented an Award of Excellence to the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Anieti Udofia. He named him Commissioner of the Year.
The governor credited Udofia’s passion and dedication for the success of the recently concluded Christmas Unplugged 3.0 festival.
Eno announced a ₦20 million cash reward for the commissioner. He also approved ₦100 million for members of the event’s planning committee. In addition, he granted Udofia a one-week leave.
Budget Reflects Adjusted Fiscal Strategy
In November, Governor Eno had presented the initial ₦1.39 trillion proposal to the House. He titled it “The People’s Budget of Expansion and Growth.”
The 2026 budget represents a 16 per cent reduction of ₦260 billion from the revised 2025 budget, reflecting a more cautious fiscal approach.
