The Akwa Ibom State Executive Council has approved a budget estimate of N1.390 trillion naira for the 2026 fiscal year, for onward transmission to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly for consideration and passage.
The decision was reached during the enlarged Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Umo Eno at the state EXCO chambers, Government House, Uyo. The state commissioner for information, Aniekan Umanah who briefed government house correspondents shortly after the meeting, said the proposed budget is anchored on deepening dividends of the ARISE Agenda, focusing on agricultural development, rural development, infrastructure expansion, security, education, tourism growth, healthcare, economic diversification, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
According to him, the 2026 fiscal plan emphasizes the completion of ongoing flagship projects, job creation through MSME support and tourism promotion, improved transportation through CNG buses and ferries; enhanced transparency, fiscal discipline, and human capital development, particularly for women, youth, and vulnerable groups.
Umanah also disclosed that Council ratified an upward review of the total project cost of the Aviation Village at Victor Attah International Airport to cover dualization of access roads, perimeter fencing, electrical works, concrete paving and other key infrastructure. In the health sector, the council directed the immediate deployment of retired health workers re-engaged on contract and ordered the commencement of work on eight general hospitals and 29 primary healthcare centers across the State, stressing that the State Public Health Laboratory and Isolation Centre will also receive urgent attention, while the commissioning of General Hospital, Ukanafun, has been shifted to November 18, 2025.
In a move to regain state assets and strengthen the financial base of Anchor Insurance Limited, the council approved N4.15 billion naira for the recovery of prime properties previously swapped during recapitalization. The commissioner noted that following a presentation by the Attorney-General, the executive council approved the transmission of three Executive Bills to the House of Assembly, including the Domestication and Harmonization of Taxes and Levies Bill and the State Property Tax Law, in line with the national Tax Act.
Government house correspondent Jane Uwa reports that the information boss further explained that Council also received a briefing from Akwa Ibom Internal Revenue Service on the new tax law by the federal government and its implications for the State.
