Thursday November 6, 2025
www.thenewsdesk.ng
The Akwa Ibom Executive Council, EXCO, has approved a proposed ₦1.39 trillion budget for the 2026 fiscal year, focusing on consolidating the gains of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda through agricultural development, infrastructure expansion, job creation, and improved healthcare and education.
The approval was given on Wednesday at the executive council meeting presided over by Governor Eno at Government House, Uyo, and attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Head of Civil Service, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries, and heads of extra-ministerial departments.
Governor Eno, in his opening remarks, commended members for their commitment and urged them to sustain efforts toward the effective implementation of the ARISE Agenda. “We must remain steadfast in delivering tangible results that touch the lives of our people across all sectors,” he said.
The budget proposal, to be transmitted to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, also emphasizes the completion of ongoing flagship projects, support for MSMEs, promotion of tourism, deployment of CNG buses and ferries, and enhancement of fiscal discipline and human capital development.
The council ratified the upward review of the total project cost for the Aviation Village at Victor Attah International Airport, covering dualization of access roads, drainage, perimeter fencing, and other key facilities. It also approved a contract to MediaGuru LLC, Dubai, for the consultancy, design, procurement, and system integration of broadcast equipment for the Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC).
In the health sector, Council directed the immediate deployment of re-engaged retired health workers and approved the commencement of work on eight general hospitals, 29 primary healthcare centres, and the State Public Health Laboratory and Isolation Centre. The commissioning of the General Hospital, Ukanafun, was fixed for November 18, 2025.
To recover state assets used in the recapitalization of Anchor Insurance Limited, Council approved the release of ₦4.15 billion to the company in exchange for multi-billion-naira properties in Lagos. It also directed the appointment of a valuer and mandated APICO and AKICORP to convert such assets into wealth for the state.
Council further approved the transmission of three executive bills, including the Domestication and Harmonization of Taxes and Levies Bill and the Akwa Ibom State Property Tax Law, to the House of Assembly. Governor Eno commended the retiring Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, for his service and expressed condolences on the passing of Reverend Emmanuel Ossom, a respected cleric in the state.
