Monday December 8, 2025
www.thenewsdesk.ng
By Destiny YOUNG
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Appropriations and Finance has commenced its public hearing on the proposed 2026 budget. The session, held on Monday, was declared open by the Committee Chairman, Hon Itorobong Etim.
In his address, Hon Etim noted that the event was designed to give citizens, stakeholders, and civil society groups the opportunity to scrutinise the financial plans of the state government for the coming year. He welcomed first time participants and emphasised that public involvement strengthens democratic governance.
Hon Etim reminded attendees that Section 121 subsection one of the 1999 Constitution requires state governors to present revenue and expenditure estimates to their respective Houses of Assembly before the start of every financial year. He stated that Governor Umo Bassey Eno fulfilled this mandate when he presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill on 25 November. The Bill received its first reading on the same day and passed second reading on 2 December. It was then committed to the Committee for detailed examination.
The Committee Chairman explained that public participation in the budget process is not only a constitutional expectation but also a key component of transparency. He referenced Section 14 subsection two paragraph c of the Constitution, which supports citizen engagement in governance. He also cited both the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007 and the Akwa Ibom State Fiscal Responsibility Law of 2020, which encourage public consultation and prudent management of public resources.
During the hearing, the Commissioner for Finance is expected to provide a detailed breakdown of the proposed 2026 budget. The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning will also present the policy direction and capital expenditure components.
Hon Etim outlined the objectives of the session. According to him, the hearing aims to increase citizen participation in the budget process, provide an avenue for the executive arm to present its performance report, inform the public about the state’s current economic condition, gather feedback on ongoing programmes, raise awareness to support budget implementation, allow citizens to assess the state’s economic health, and promote accountability.
Governor Eno’s proposed 2026 budget, titled The People’s Budget of Expansion and Growth, has a total estimate of one trillion three hundred and ninety billion naira. This represents a reduction from the revised 2025 budget, which stood at one trillion six hundred and fifty billion naira.
Hon Etim stated that the policy direction of the budget aligns with the administration’s ARISE agenda, which focuses on agricultural development, rural advancement, infrastructure expansion and maintenance, security, and education.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Eno for the progress recorded in the past thirty months, particularly in the areas of industrial and tourism development. He also thanked the Speaker of the House, fellow legislators, Committee members, Assembly staff, and members of the press for their cooperation.
The hearing continues as stakeholders review the projections and priorities for the 2026 fiscal year.
*Destiny Young is the Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media and Digital Communication
