ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has finalized a N1.390 trillion budget proposal for presentation to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly as the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
The proposed budget was approved on Tuesday during the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided over by governor Eno at Government House, Uyo.
Speaking on the highlights of the fiscal plan, Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, said the 2026 budget “is anchored on deepening the dividends of the ARISE Agenda,” emphasizing core areas such as agriculture, rural development, infrastructure expansion, security, education, tourism growth, healthcare, economic diversification, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
According to Umanah, “The 2026 fiscal plan emphasizes the completion of ongoing flagship projects; job creation through MSME support and tourism promotion; improved transportation via CNG buses and ferries; enhanced transparency and fiscal discipline; and human capital development, particularly for women, youth, and vulnerable groups.”
He added that the Council also reviewed and approved several recommendations from the Finance and General Purpose Committee (FGPC), including the ratification of an upward review of the total project cost for the Aviation Village.
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The revised project scope, Umanah explained, covers the dualization of access and internal roads, concrete paving, outfalls, perimeter fencing, gatehouse, electrical installations, entrance tower, and residential estate within the Victor Attah International Airport.
Additionally, the Council ratified FGPC’s approval for consultancy, design, procurement of broadcast equipment, and system integration for the Akwa Ibom State Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC) Television and Radio. The contract was awarded to MediaGuru LLC, Dubai.
The EXCO further directed the immediate deployment of re-engaged retired health workers on contract to health facilities across the state. The Ministry of Health was also mandated to commence work on eight General Hospitals, 29 Primary Healthcare Centres, and the Molecular Diagnostics/State Public Health Laboratory and Isolation Centre.
In another key decision, the Council approved the release of N4,150,000,000 to Anchor Insurance Limited to enable the state reclaim multi-billion-naira properties previously used in an asset swap to recapitalize the company.
The release is also aimed at strengthening the company’s capitalization.
According to Vanguard, governor Eno directed the immediate appointment of a reputable estate valuer to assess the recovered properties.
He also instructed the Akwa Ibom Property and Investments Company (APICO) and the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP) to work jointly toward converting such assets into wealth-generating ventures for the state.