By Ekemini James.
On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, presented the 2026 Budget of the State Government to the State House of Assembly. Tagged “The People’s Budget of Expansion and Growth,” the N1.39 trillion proposal reflects a 16% reduction from the 2025 revised budget of N1.65 trillion.
This deliberate adjustment underscores the Governor’s commitment to fostering a culture of realistic and implementable budgeting that ensures that resources are allocated in alignment with the State’s fiscal realities and development priorities.
The 2026 budget is a direct response to the genuine needs of citizens across all 31 Local Government Areas. It draws heavily from the outcomes of the State-wide Town Square Meetings, an inclusive initiative that took Governor Eno across the ten federal constituencies. These gatherings provided a platform for citizens to voice their concerns, aspirations, and priorities, which the administration has translated into actionable budget lines
.This approach reflects a governance style rooted in listening, responsiveness, and grassroots engagement. Governor Eno’s administration has demonstrated a strong track record in budget performance, achieving a remarkable 70% implementation rate in 2024. This figure rose significantly to 86.9% by the third quarter of 2025.
The 2026 budget builds on this momentum, strategically designed to expand development while deepening impact across critical sectors. A major focus of the budget is strengthening food security through the promotion of mechanized agriculture, enhancement of agro-processing, and empowerment of smallholder farmers. These efforts aim to boost productivity, reduce dependency on food imports, and create sustainable livelihoods.
In tandem with this, each of the 31 Local Government Areas is set to benefit from a N1 billion support initiative targeted at entrepreneurs. This intervention is expected to stimulate local economies, foster innovation, and create jobs, particularly in emerging sectors such as the blue economy, transportation, hospitality, and tourism.
Infrastructure development remains a cornerstone of the ARISE Agenda. The budget prioritizes the completion of ongoing projects, including roads, bridges, aviation infrastructure, health facilities, and tourism assets. Of the 900 kilometers of roads currently under construction, a significant portion has already been completed.
These projects are essential for improving connectivity, facilitating trade, attracting investment, and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents across the State. The health sector continues to receive robust attention. Following the recent declaration of a state of emergency in healthcare, the government has re-engaged 1,300 retired healthcare professionals and employed an additional 2,000 healthcare workers to strengthen service delivery.
Moreover, the 2026 budget provides for the completion of key projects such as the 350-bed Ibom International Hospital and other facilities along the Medical Corridor. It also supports the rehabilitation of secondary and primary health institutions, positioning Akwa Ibom as a future hub for medical tourism and ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible to all.
Education is another critical pillar of the budget. The administration is committed to improving the quality, accessibility, and relevance of education at all levels. To this end, youth development centers are being established in all 31 Local Government Areas. These centers are envisioned as platforms to harness the talents and creativity of the State’s young population by equipping them with skills that drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
More so, the 2026 budget also emphasizes internal security and environmental sustainability. The government aims to maintain Akwa Ibom’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s safest states by strengthening the State’s security architecture.
Also notable is the fact that the same time, the budget supports renewable energy projects, environmental conservation efforts, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Investments in sustainable transportation, such as the provision of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and environmentally-friendly passenger ferries, reflect a forward-thinking approach to urban mobility and climate action. Social equity remains a guiding principle of the People’s Budget. Targeted programs for vulnerable groups, including women, children, and persons with disabilities, are being scaled up to ensure inclusive development.
The administration has already paid over N75 billion to reduce the N110 billion backlog of gratuities inherited from 2012, with an additional N1.3 billion allocated to continue this process in 2026, while elderly citizens across all 369 wards continue to receive monthly stipends of N50,000; a gesture complemented by a free food distribution program that provides essential support to those most in need.
Housing is also receiving attention under the ARISE Agenda. Of the 500 planned fully furnished Arise Compassionate Homes, 300 have already been delivered to vulnerable households. These homes are more than shelter; they represent the administration’s commitment to dignity, care, and social inclusion for all citizens, especially those facing economic hardship.
While other regions may be gripped by political uncertainty in the lead-up to the 2027 elections, Akwa Ibom remains focused and forward-looking. The Governor has made it clear that his administration’s priority is to deliver on the ARISE Agenda, leaving the timing and outcome of future elections in the hands of God Almighty. This posture reflects a leadership style grounded in faith, service, and a deep sense of responsibility to the people.
The 2026 People’s Budget of Expansion and Growth presents Akwa Ibomites with unprecedented opportunities across all sectors, from agriculture and healthcare to infrastructure, tourism, and economic empowerment.
It is a call to embrace optimism, participate in development, and seize the possibilities the State is creating. With a clear vision, rooted in the people’s voice and driven by measurable outcomes, Governor Umo Eno’s administration is charting a path toward sustainable, inclusive progress that ensures no one is left behind.
