Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, on Tuesday presented a ₦1.39 trillion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, describing it as a people-centered plan designed to drive expansion, growth, and inclusive development.
Presenting the budget—christened “The People’s Budget of Expansion and Growth”—Governor Eno said the proposal prioritises mechanised agriculture, rural infrastructure, and major capital projects expected to accelerate job creation and improve living standards across the state.
According to the breakdown, ₦354.87 billion is earmarked for recurrent expenditure, while ₦1.035 trillion will fund capital projects. The governor noted that the 2026 estimate represents a 16% reduction from the 2025 revised budget of ₦1.65 trillion.
Governor Eno also announced projected recurrent revenue of ₦1.17 trillion, representing a nine per cent shortfall from the previous year. He added that ₦791.98 billion would be sourced from the consolidated revenue fund, while ₦243.16 billion would come from other financing channels.
Explaining the policy direction of the budget, the governor said it would support mechanised agriculture, value-chain expansion, and smallholder empowerment initiatives aimed at strengthening food security.
“Income-earning potentials of rural households will be enhanced through home farm schemes, credit access, farm inputs, agro-processing support, and extension services,” he said.
Eno also listed key sectors such as rural electrification, road construction, primary healthcare upgrades, and the completion of flagship infrastructure projects—including roads, bridges, aviation, and health facilities—as priorities for implementation.
He urged lawmakers to fast-track approval of the budget to ensure timely execution of developmental programmes.
Responding, Speaker of the House, Udeme Otong, assured the governor of the Assembly’s cooperation but emphasized that scrutiny would be thorough.
“We are not here to approve figures, but to ensure efficient allocation, eliminate waste, prevent duplication, and strengthen fiscal discipline,” Otong said.
He called on ministries, departments, and agencies to support the budget review process with required documentation.
If passed as proposed, the 2026 budget will continue the administration’s focus on rural transformation, infrastructure expansion, and economic stability in Akwa Ibom State.
