Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, presented a proposed budget of N1.39 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. The budget, tagged “The People’s Budget of Expansion and Growth,” was laid before lawmakers during plenary at the Assembly Complex, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo.
Governor Eno said the 2026 appropriation is strategically crafted to advance key pillars of the ARISE Agenda, with emphasis on strengthening food security, improving rural living conditions, completing ongoing infrastructure projects, and initiating new ones vital for connectivity, trade, investment and job creation.
He noted that the budget also prioritizes internal security, improved access to quality education, economic diversification, support for MSMEs, human capital development, and environmental sustainability through renewable energy and waste-to-wealth initiatives.
Breaking down the figures, the Governor announced N354.867 billion for recurrent expenditure—25% of the total budget—and N1.035 trillion for capital expenditure, representing 75%. He described the high capital allocation as a deliberate step to stimulate economic growth in 2026.
The capital budget includes N387.5 billion for roads and other infrastructure, N31.6 billion for education, and N136.1 billion for the health sector, among other provisions.
Governor Eno explained that the proposed budget reflects a 16% decrease from the revised 2025 budget of N1.65 trillion. For 2025, the state had initially approved N955 billion, later revised due to increased revenue performance. As of September 2025, recurrent revenue stood at N897.144 billion, representing 108% of the approved estimate for the period.
He further reported that N231.228 billion was spent on recurrent services (77.1% of the provision) and N598.981 billion on capital projects (91.4%) within the same period.
The Governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the removal of petroleum subsidy, which he said has boosted state revenues and enabled Akwa Ibom to fund key projects without borrowing. He pledged that the state would continue to deliver measurable results that reflect responsible use of increased federal allocations.
In his response, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, commended Governor Eno for what he described as visionary leadership. He noted that the ARISE Agenda has transitioned from a policy framework into impactful realities across communities—strengthening the economy and improving lives.
The Speaker added that the Assembly will pay particular attention to how the proposed budget reinforces priority sectors such as education, healthcare, tourism, and the creative industries—areas he said are essential for reducing dependence on federal allocation.
