By Solomon OKPO
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on Tuesday presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the State House of Assembly, unveiling a spending plan he described as “The People’s Budget of Expansion and Growth.” The proposed budget is anchored on the administration’s ARISE Agenda and is designed to strengthen food security, expand infrastructure, deepen social inclusion and accelerate economic diversification across the state.
Outlining the policy thrust of the budget, Governor Eno said the government will intensify efforts to boost food sufficiency by expanding mechanized farming, supporting smallholder producers, and promoting agricultural value chains. Rural households, he noted, will benefit from home-farm schemes, improved access to farm inputs, credit facilities, extension services and agro-processing support.
The governor also announced sweeping initiatives to improve living conditions in rural communities. These include rural electrification projects, construction and rehabilitation of rural roads, upgrades to primary healthcare facilities and the building of modern markets, schools and recreational centres.
On infrastructure, Eno reaffirmed his commitment to completing ongoing flagship projects, roads, bridges, aviation facilities and healthcare centres, while initiating new ones considered critical to connectivity, investment and job creation.
To enhance safety across the state, the 2026 budget prioritizes strengthening internal security architecture through community-based programmes, digital surveillance systems and waterways protection.
Education also features prominently. The government plans to equip schools, train and retrain teachers, expand ICT capacity and ensure inclusive access for vulnerable groups.
Governor Eno emphasized economic diversification as a central pillar of the budget. Support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), expansion of business and tourism opportunities and creation of a business-friendly environment are expected to drive job creation and attract foreign investment.
The budget also targets human capital development and social inclusion, with tailored interventions for women, children and persons with disabilities. Youth development centres will be established across all 31 Local Government Areas to harness the potential of the state’s young population.
Further measures include streamlining the tax system, leveraging technology for improved compliance, and formalizing the informal sector, all designed to improve business confidence without stifling growth.
In line with global sustainability goals, the government plans to invest in renewable energy and waste-to-wealth initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create green jobs.
Governor Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, pledging strict adherence to fiscal responsibility and procurement laws, minimizing leakages and publishing regular, accessible reports for stakeholders.
Transportation enhancements are also captured in the budget, with plans to introduce CNG-powered buses and construct marine aluminum passenger ferries to improve mobility across the state.
The governor added that strategic investments in tourism will help diversify the economy and boost internally generated revenue. Key health projects, including the completion of the Ibom Medical City and rehabilitation of primary and secondary health facilities, will be pursued alongside recruitment and training of medical personnel and expansion of health insurance coverage through public-private partnerships.
