Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, on Tuesday presented a ₦1.39 trillion budget proposal for the 2026 financial year to the State House of Assembly.
Speaking during the presentation, Eno said that recurrent expenditure was projected at ₦354.87 billion, while ₦1.035 trillion was earmarked for capital expenditure.
The governor noted that the 2026 budget represents a 16 per cent decrease from the revised ₦1.65 trillion budget for 2025.
He added that total capital receipts and expenditure for 2026 were estimated at ₦1.15 trillion, compared to the revised provision of ₦897.14 billion for 2025.
Eno said the 2026 proposal—christened “The People’s Budget of Expansion and Growth”—was designed to strengthen food security and sufficiency through mechanised agriculture, small-holder production, and value-chain promotion.
He announced a projected recurrent revenue of ₦1.17 trillion for 2026, representing a nine per cent shortfall from the 2025 estimate of ₦1.26 trillion.
According to him, ₦791.98 billion in capital receipts would be transferred from the consolidated revenue fund, while the remaining ₦243.16 billion would come from other sources.
“Income-earning potentials of rural households will be enhanced through home farm schemes, access to farm inputs, credit and extension services, and agro-processing support.
“The policy thrust of the budget is to improve the living conditions of Akwa Ibom people in rural areas.
“The government will electrify rural communities, upgrade and construct rural roads, and renovate primary healthcare facilities.
“We shall complete ongoing flagship projects such as roads, bridges, aviation facilities and health institutions. We shall also begin projects that are critical for connectivity, trade, investment, and job creation,” he said.
Eno urged the House to expedite passage of the budget to enable the government deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
In his remarks, the Speaker, Udeme Otong, urged ministries, departments and agencies to cooperate with the Assembly by providing all required information.
“We pledge to do a thorough job and ensure speedy passage of the budget. The House shall scrutinise the proposal with diligence, patriotism and fairness.
“The essence is to ensure that it aligns with the state’s long-term development blueprint.
“Our job is not merely to approve figures but to ensure efficient allocation, eliminate waste and duplication, and strengthen fiscal discipline,” he said.
