Akwa Ibom State governor, Umo Eno, has signed into law the 2026 appropriation Bill totaling N1,584,271,856,630.00. The budget comprises N416.6 billion for recurrent expenditure and N1.168 trillion for capital projects.
During the signing ceremony at the enlarged State Executive Council meeting held at the Exco Chambers, Government House on Monday, Governor Eno commended the synergy between the House of Assembly and the Executive Arm, attributing their collaboration to the achievements recorded in the previous year. He called on the Council members to remain committed and passionate in service delivery, emphasizing that there will be no room for excuses, only action.
The governor stated, “We all must rededicate ourselves to delivering our tasks promptly and decisively. This year is not a year for excuses. It is a year for action. Let us endeavor to break all barriers, go the extra mile to deliver. When we deliver, we can sit back and celebrate, and be recognized for our efforts.”
The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Udeme Otong, praised Governor Eno for his transparency and collaborative governance style. Otong expressed the House’s appreciation for the achievements of the administration, noting, “You have implemented over 80% of the 2025 budget, and the House is ready to continue collaborating with the Executive for the benefit of our people.”
After the budget signing, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Linus Nkan, along with the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, briefed newsmen. Nkan explained that the 2026 budget was passed by the House of Assembly late last year. He noted that the initial proposal presented on November 25, 2025, was N1.39 trillion but was increased by N194 billion after scrutiny and defense by MDAs, resulting in the current total of N1.584 trillion.
He elaborated, “The recurrent expenditure is N416.5 billion, up from N354 billion originally proposed, while the capital expenditure increased to N1.167 trillion from N1.035 trillion. This budget aims to stimulate and drive our economic development.”
In addition, Governor Eno presented an award of excellence to the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, naming him Commissioner of the Year for his dedication and passion, which contributed to the success of the recently concluded Christmas Unplugged 3.0 event. The governor announced a cash prize of N20 million for the commissioner and N100 million for the event’s planning committee. He also approved a one-week leave for the commissioner.