By Amanam Hillary Umo-Udofia
Akwa Ibom Stateโs economy has continued on a strong trajectory of fiscal discipline, transparency, and growth as the 2025 Budget Performance Report shows an impressive 86.9 percent implementation rate as of the third quarter.
The report, released by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning on Wednesday 29th October, 2025, reflects the administrationโs prudent management of public resources and its determination to translate the ARISE Agenda into measurable results across all sectors of the State.
According to the report, between January and September 2025, the State recorded a total revenue inflow of โฆ1.27 trillion. Of this amount, โฆ818.1 billion came from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), which represents the Stateโs share of federally distributed revenues.
In addition, the State carried forward โฆ375.69 billion as an opening balance of unspent funds from 2024, while โฆ79.05 billion was generated internally through various revenue channels, reflecting a steady improvement in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) performance.
Within the same period, Akwa Ibom Stateโs total expenditure stood at โฆ830.2 billion, demonstrating a balanced approach to resource allocation between recurrent and capital commitments. Out of this figure, โฆ103.15 billion was disbursed on personnel costs, including pensions and gratuities, ensuring the welfare of civil servants and retirees.
A further โฆ128.08 billion went into other recurrent expenditures, covering essential operational costs of government ministries and agencies. The largest component, โฆ598.98 billion, was devoted to capital projects, reflecting the administrationโs emphasis on infrastructure development and investments that directly improve the lives of citizens.
This sound financial management left a healthy balance of โฆ369.8 billion going into the final quarter of the year, further affirming the Stateโs fiscal stability and proactive financial planning.
Presenting the report in Uyo on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Nsikan Linus Nkan, described the performance as โa reflection of prudent financial stewardship, accountability, and efficiency across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).โ
Dr. Nkan commended Governor Umo Eno for fostering an environment of fiscal discipline and economic expansion through the ARISE Agenda, noting that the governmentโs strong revenue performance and efficient budget utilization informed the recent supplementary budget, which expanded the 2025 budget size to โฆ1.65 trillion.
He explained that the supplementary budget passed by the State House of Assembly and assented to by the Governor on October 8, 2025 will accommodate new and ongoing capital projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure, human capacity, and grassroots development.
โThis performance underscores our collective commitment to ensure that every naira spent delivers tangible value to the people of Akwa Ibom State,โ Dr. Nkan said. โThe fourth-quarter report will capture the impact of the revised budget and provide a clearer picture of the Stateโs economic growth trajectory.โ
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, PhD, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Akparawa James Edet, lauded the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning for sustaining its quarterly budget briefings an initiative he described as a hallmark of โopen governance, accountability, and transparency in the management of public finances.โ
He emphasized that regular public reporting not only strengthens citizensโ trust in government but also reinforces Akwa Ibomโs reputation as one of Nigeriaโs most transparent and fiscally responsible subnational governments.
With an 86.9 percent performance score and a clear path toward full-year implementation, the Governor Umo Eno administration continues to demonstrate that good governance, accountability, and strategic fiscal planning remain the backbone of Akwa Ibomโs sustainable development journey.
AmanamHillary Umo-Udofia, PhD, is Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
