Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has proposed a ₦1.39 trillion budget for the 2026 financial year, describing it as “The People’s Budget of Expansion and Growth.”
Gatekeepers News reports that presenting the estimates to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Governor Eno said the proposal reflects the priorities and feedback gathered from the Town Square Meetings held across the state.
The total budget represents a ₦260 billion (16%) decrease from the revised 2025 budget.
Out of the ₦1.39 trillion proposal, ₦354.867 billion (25%) is earmarked for Recurrent Expenditure, while ₦1.035 trillion (75%) is allocated to Capital Expenditure.
“I urge you to quickly pass this budget so we may continue to work for our people,” the governor appealed, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the needs of Akwa Ibom residents.
Key Allocations
The proposed Capital Expenditure focuses heavily on infrastructure and social services, with major allocations including:
- ₦387.5 billion for roads and infrastructure
- ₦31.6 billion for education
- ₦136.1 billion for health
Governor Eno said the emphasis on capital spending is intended to stimulate economic activity and accelerate development across the state.
Eno Thanks Tinubu Over Subsidy Removal
The governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for removing fuel subsidy, saying the decision has increased available funds for state-level development projects.
“We are undertaking bold and audacious projects without borrowing and have earmarked resources to complete all the projects we have initiated,” he said.
He added: “We thank the President again and assure him that to whom much is given, much is expected, and we will deliver big for him come 2027.”
Agricultural Expansion and ARISE Agenda
Eno highlighted ongoing agricultural initiatives under the ARISE Agenda, noting that:
- 69,107 farmers have benefited from the agricultural revolution programmes
- 13,060 registered farmers have received agricultural processing machines and equipment
He also announced plans to launch the state’s palm tree crop revolution, aimed at creating long-term wealth for rural communities. The initiative will involve government participation in palm planting and eventual off-take arrangements with farmers.
Funding Structure
The projected capital receipts for 2026 stand at ₦1.035 trillion, comprising:
- ₦791.978 billion from the Consolidated Revenue Fund
- ₦243.155 billion from other sources
The governor noted that detailed project-by-project allocations will be provided by the Commissioner for Budget.
He called on the Assembly to ensure swift passage of the bill, stressing his administration’s ongoing commitment to multisectoral development.
Responding, Speaker Elder Udeme Otong commended the proposal’s alignment with the ARISE Agenda and thanked the governor for prioritising the remodeling of the Assembly complex.
