By Solomon OKPO
The Akwa Ibom State Executive Council, presided over by Governor Umo Bassey Eno, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, approved a budget size of ₦1.39 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year. The meeting, held at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Uyo, had in attendance the Secretary to the State Government, Head of Civil Service, Honourable Commissioners, Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries, and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments.
Governor Eno, in his opening remarks, charged members to remain dedicated to the effective implementation of the ARISE Agenda, emphasizing that the proposed 2026 budget is designed to deepen the dividends of democracy across key sectors of the economy.
According to the Council’s resolutions, the 2026 fiscal plan will prioritize agricultural development, rural transformation, infrastructure expansion, education, healthcare, tourism promotion, security enhancement, social inclusion, economic diversification, and environmental sustainability.
The budget also focuses on completing ongoing flagship projects, supporting job creation through MSMEs, and improving transportation via the introduction of CNG buses and ferries, while strengthening transparency, fiscal discipline, and human capital development, especially for women, youths, and vulnerable groups.
In other decisions, the Council ratified an upward review of the total project cost for the Aviation Village within the Victor Attah International Airport, covering dualization of access and internal roads, concrete paving, outfalls, perimeter fencing, electrical works, entrance tower, and residential estates.
The Executive Council also approved the consultancy, design, and procurement of broadcast equipment for the Akwa Ibom State Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC) Television and Radio, awarded to MediaGuru LLC, Dubai.
In the health sector, following a report from the Commissioner for Health, Council directed the immediate deployment of re-engaged retired health workers to various health facilities. It also ordered the commencement of work on eight General Hospitals, 29 Primary Healthcare Centres, and the State Molecular Diagnostics and Public Health Laboratory. The commissioning of the General Hospital, Ukanafun, was fixed for Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
To strengthen the State’s investment portfolio, Council approved the release of ₦4.15 billion to Anchor Insurance Limited in exchange for prime State properties previously used in an asset swap arrangement. The move is aimed at recovering multi-billion-naira assets in Lagos and boosting the company’s capitalization. Governor Eno further directed the appointment of a reputable estate valuer to assess the properties, mandating APICO and AKICORP to convert such assets into wealth for the State.
The Council also deliberated on reports from AKICORP regarding State-owned financial institutions, directing their management teams to appear before subsequent Exco meetings for presentations on their financial health.
Additionally, Council approved the transmission of three Executive Bills, the Domestication and Harmonization of Taxes and Levies Bill, the Akwa Ibom State Property Tax Law, and another in line with the new National Tax Act—to the State House of Assembly for consideration and passage.
Governor Eno, on behalf of the Council, commended the Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, for his meritorious service and wished him success in his future endeavours. The meeting also expressed deep condolences over the passing of Reverend Emmanuel Ossom, a respected cleric in the State, and directed members to pay a condolence visit to his family.
